Train the trainers process for the members of special police forces of Montenegro was finalised with mental tactical training taking place 4 – 7 October in Igalo, Montenegro.

Following a year and a half long training and testing process, three members successfully completed all stages of trainings. With this, the police forces of Montenegro have obtained the team of trainers that will use their knowledge and skills to further pass it on, through in-service trainings. Training is based on the curricula specially designed with focus on human rights respect with accent put on European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) standards.

The last series of trainings put emphasis on mental tactical training or forces’ ability to act in highly stressful situations, mostly the reason for excessive use of force and consequently human rights violation.

This kind of continued trainings will enhance the ability of special forces’ members to control and contain their emotions and reactions in highly stressful situations, therefore avoiding incidents leading to ill-treatment and other forms of human rights violations.

Their improved performance will not only contribute to the alignment of their actions with the European standards and with the recommendations of the CPT, but additionally improve their public image.

The activities were designed and conducted under the action “Further enhancing human rights protection for detained and sentenced persons in Montenegro”, as a part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”, implemented by the Council of Europe.