A 3-day workshop dedicated to strengthening safeguards against ill-treatment in police detention, focusing on documenting and reporting ill-treatment and early detection of self-harm and suicide risks in police custody, took place from 28-30 October 2025.

The activity brought together 50 participants, representing Kosovo Police (KP), including healthcare personnel within the KP, Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (PIK), Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS), Prison Health Department (PHD) of the Ministry of Health, Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of Kosovo (IFPK), Prison Inspectorate, National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) of the Ombudsperson Institution, and representatives of civil society.

Through interactive sessions and scenario-based exercises, participants strengthened their understanding of human rights safeguards, improved practical skills in identifying vulnerable detainees, and learned how to apply standardised tools such as incident and injury report forms.

Police officers assigned to detention cells enhanced their capacity to recognise warning signs of self-harm, ensure timely communication with healthcare professionals, and follow appropriate reporting procedures. Sessions on the roles of the PIK, NPM, and health authorities helped participants understand institutional responsibilities and fostered greater cooperation between the KP and the PIK, leading to a more unified and accountable approach to monitoring detention practices.

By the end of the workshop, participants reported greater confidence and clarity in performing daily custodial duties, particularly in protecting the safety and dignity of detainees.

The activity contributes to the Council of Europe’s broader efforts to promote democratic policing, enhance inter-institutional coordination, and uphold European human rights standards in Kosovo*.

The trainings were organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.

_{* All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo}