Integrated Concept for the Training of Trainers within Police Cooperation of the EU Member States

Abstract

This paper presents some outcomes of the EU-funded Twinning Light Project “Setting up the SIRENE Office: Strengthening capacities of SIRENE operators and end users of the Schengen Information System II (CRO SIRENE)“. This international assistance and support project was conducted throughout 2016 by the Lithuanian Police in cooperation with the beneficiary administration, the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia. This paper familiarises readers with the system and integral parts of the qualification improvement process assessed in the Project. The mechanism for the preparation of instructors within public administration bodies in the EU Member States could be seen as an integral process, whereby selected staff members receive initial subject-matter training, deepen their knowledge in advanced subject-matter training, participate in andragogic training sessions, practice their training skills during live training activities, have the possibility to compare working procedures in other EU Member States, and exchange best practices as well as make use of specific tailor-made methodological tools. The creation of new pedagogic standards is relevant in a way that by standardizing process of preparing police instructors, main integral educational tools are identified and applied (i.e. optimal proportion between the form and content of training is determined, training participants are involved into training evaluation process, methodical recommendations for instructors are prepared etc.). Pedagogic standards, which was developed, practically tested and presented by the authors of the research could contribute to the better commitment and ownership of the beneficiary organizations with regard police training under the EU Internal Security Strategy. Furthermore, it could be applied also in other EU Member States by organizing training activities and shaping international network of police instructors.