The international seminar organised by the Pompidou Group on “The role of police in drug prevention” was held in Warsaw on 12-15 November 2019 and was the first training seminar tailored towards police officers involved in the development and implementation of drug prevention activities. The seminar was organised together with the National Bureau for Drug Prevention of Poland and Res Humanae Foundation. Its aim was to provide insights on the experiences made with different concepts and strategies of involving police in drug prevention, and to offer a forum of open discussion on the feasibility of new approaches for the future.

27 participants from 19 countries were trained at the seminar. Their positive feedback and lively discussions highlighted the existing gaps practical training for law enforcement officials on drug policy issues.

The seminar marked the 10th anniversary of the Pompidou Group’s Executive Training on Drug Policy, and also coincided with the launch of the new Drug Policy Academy. The seminar on “The role of police in drug prevention” is part of the Academy - an innovative concept developed in response to the call by Pompidou Group member states to create a more holistic approach to understanding and shaping drug policy.