Operationalisation of the whistleblowing mechanism in Police was the topic of the workshop organised by PECK III on 7 October 2021. Participants benefited from the presentation of the Technical Paper including recommendations and good comparative practice on setting up the internal channel and procedures enabling a functional whistleblowing mechanism. Representatives of Police Headquarters and 7 regional directorates discussed on modalities and tailor-made tools necessary to make the system operational.
The event was addressed by the Director General of the Kosovo Police, who expressed commitment to partner with the Project in developing the system in compliance with international standards and good practice. “This is an important topic for the Police and we would like to be pioneers in the region, to have a functional whistleblowing system where anyone is aware about the rules and procedures and what measures are needed to protect whistleblowers, and for this we welcome the expertise and support provided by PECK III Project” he said.
Key recommendations provided to the Kosovo Police related to the need to:
- ensure uniform application of the law and consistent handling of whistleblowing cases through developing standard operating procedures, guidelines and other materials required to establish and maintain the whistleblowing system;
- appoint responsible officers in the headquarter and regions;
- establish a ‘pool’ of suitably qualified persons who could be appointed as responsible officer, in case of absence or sick leave;
- maintain standardised trainings and clear guidelines throughout the Police.
The Council of Europe through the joint Project PECK III will pursue the support and assistance to ensure effective functioning of the whistleblowing mechanism within the Police.
