Approximately 200 prison staff from all correctional and detention centres from Kosovo* took part in 2-day training sessions on the dynamic security concept held between November 2017 and March 2018. The cascade sessions were conducted by Kosovo Correctional Service staff, trained under a training of trainers organised by the Council of Europe in October 2017.

The participants got acquainted with the concept of dynamic security and its application in the everyday work of the prison staff. The trainees learnt how dynamic security differs from and complements physical security in prisons, highlighting the need for closer interaction with prisoners. It was made clear that dynamic security is about maintaining good relationship with prisoners and being aware of their specific needs and characters. Kosovo Correctional Service staff understood the necessity of building positive connections with prisoners based on firmness and fairness, which contributes to better understanding of their personal situation and potential risks posed by individual prisoners.

In terms of the sustainability of the training, the Kosovo Correctional Service presented readiness and commitment to both continue delivering training sessions beyond the auspices of the action, and further disseminate awareness and understanding of the dynamic security concept among its staff, based on the manual and sessions developed by the action.

The cascade training sessions were organized under the Action “Enhancing the protection of human rights of prisoners in Kosovo”, part of the Horizontal Facility Programme, which is co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.