The 9th Annual Forensic Conference promotes regional cooperation as an important tool in the fight against transnational organized crime

Cooperation with relevant regional and international organizations, as well as with the police forces and forensic centers of neighboring countries, is of great importance in the investigation and prosecution of cross-border organized crime. This is the message that came from the 9th Annual Regional Forensic Conference, organized with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro on October 3-4 in Budva.

For two days, about twenty representatives from Montenegro and the region, as well as from Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, presented the work of their respective forensic centers and discussed, among other things, the role of artificial intelligence in forensic investigation, digital/electronic signatures, DNA analysis, as well as presenting forensic evidence in court.

In his opening speech, Giovanni Gabassi, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Montenegro, emphasized that forensic science plays a crucial role in gathering evidence to support the prosecution of serious and organized crimes. “Scientists working in forensic laboratories need ongoing training to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated analytical tools to detect and track organized crime groups,” said Gabassi, adding that the mission has been a committed partner and active supporter since 2008 from the Forensic Center.

Police Director Zoran Brđanin stated that the mission of the Police Directorate was to contribute to strengthening justice by applying the highest standards in forensic science, and this conference played a key role in achieving that goal. “The cooperation between the Police Directorate and the OSCE Mission in Montenegro in strengthening capacities in the field of forensic medicine, but also in other areas of police work, is an example of how partnerships can deliver tangible results for the benefit of all citizens. Thanks to our vision and the support of the OSCE Mission, the Forensic Center and the Police Directorate have the opportunity to develop and continuously improve the capabilities of the two institutions,” said Brđanin.

The conference was an opportunity for a meeting between Brđanin and Gabassi. Brđanin once again congratulated Gabassi on his appointment and expressed his belief that the Police Directorate will remain a reliable partner for the Mission, while Gabassi pointed out that the Mission will continue to provide support to the Police Directorate in key areas.

This 9th Annual Regional Forensic Conference is a forum to strengthen regional cooperation and professionalism in forensic science, and to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of forensic centers to prevent and combat serious and organized crime.