Practitioners in Bosnia and Herzegovina enhanced their knowledge and skills in prison operational work during a three-day “training of trainers” programme held in Sarajevo from 9 to 11 June. They explored the legal framework, key elements of the operational cycle, work recording and classification procedures, as well as standard operating procedures for the analysis and sharing of operational information.

The training of trainers builds on previous efforts, including the development of a manual on prison operational work, the establishment of prison operational units, and the strengthening of staff capacities. Effective prison operational work plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within penitentiary institutions and contributes to the successful management and rehabilitation of violent extremist offenders and other offenders prone to radicalisation.

Participants also discussed the protection of personal and classified data, an essential component of effective and lawful operational work. They had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills by preparing and delivering individual presentations with the support of experienced practitioners from the State Prison, Mostar and Bijeljina, who facilitated the training.

The activity contributes to improving security, information management and risk response within penitentiary institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also supports the sustainability of previous efforts by further strengthening internal prison capacities and developing a pool of local trainers equipped to share knowledge with their peers.

The activity was organised as part of the Council of Europe project “Providing for Effective Reintegration of Violent Extremist Offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) - Phase II”, implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026–2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.