Implementation of the Project LV 08/3 “Improving the Standard of Latvian State Police detention centres, including activities aimed at improving infrastructure, reducing/abolishing the current practice of administrative detention, changing the practice or returning remand prisoners for further investigation, ensuring adequate training for staff working at police detention facilities” has been launched on May 6, 2014. On May 14, 2014, the State Police has signed an agreement with one of the leading partners of the Project – European Council (hereinafter referred to as the EC) – and launched harmonisation negotiations on a visit of the EC experts in Latvia to inspect short term detention centres and places of temporary keeping in order to receive recommendations for their development in compliance with the norms of human rights.
From May 27-30, 2014, within the Activity 2 of the Project, there was a visit of the EC experts, M. Kellett and G. Tugushi, during which, together with delegated representatives of the State Police and PSA,
10 short term detention centres (hereinafter referred to as the STDC) in Jelgava, Bauska, Ogre, Saldus, Liepāja, Gulbene, Cēsis, Rēzekne, Jēkabpils, and Aizkraukle have been inspected.
Based on the Cooperation agreement between the State Police of the Republic of Latvia and Police and Border Guard Board of Estonia, from June 2-6, 2014, there
was a learning visit to the Estonian police aimed at introducing themselves with the system of short detention in Estonia, identify the best practice in Estonia in this field especially regarding the technical standards, legislation, work organisation, and fulfilment of recommendations of international institutions in the short detention centres.
During the visit, Estonian partners acquainted Latvian delegation with the system of short term detention, organisation, technical standards, as well as the best practice and topical problems thereof. During the visit, short term detention centres in Tallinn, Tartu, Jõgeva, Jõhvi, as well as Viru prison have been visited.
From June 25-27, 2014, within the Activity 2 of the Project, there was a visit of the EC expert, M. Kellett, during which, together with delegated representatives of the State Police and PSA,
11 places of temporary keeping (hereinafter referred to as the PTK) in Riga and Riga region have been inspected.
After receiving the result of the EC experts of both after the first and second visit, in cooperation with PSA, an adjustment of technical task of the procurement “Construction design and author supervision” as for the construction works planned in STDCs and PTK has been launched. The adjusted technical task has been sent for a re-evaluation to the EC experts so that during the harmonisation meeting from July 31 to August 1, 2014, compliance of works included in the technical task with recommendations of the EC experts could be agreed on.
On July 25, 2014, there was the first Management committee meeting organised, in which questions in relation to fulfilment of the Project and Partnership agreements, interpretation of terminology used in the agreements have been brought forward, as well as the possible risks to the Project implementation have been identified. After the Management committee meeting, amendments to the Project agreement in relation to simplifying document provision have been initiated, as well as amendments to the Partnership agreement with PSA have been initiated in order to ensure progress of the measures planned in compliance with the activities foreseen by the State Police, especially harmonising activity schedules with possibilities of the EC experts.
From July 31 to August 1, 2014, during the visit of the EC experts, M. Kellet and G. Tugushi, the technical task of the procurement “Construction design and author supervision” has been harmonised, as well as issues on a layout and work organisation of STDCs and PTK and their linkage with Activity 3 (legislation analysis) and Activity 4 (development of training programmes) of the Project have been discussed with the national program partner and program manager.
On August 8, 2014, an opinion of the EC on the technical task developed by the State Police has been received, and PSA has announced the procurement “Construction design and author supervision”.
It is expected that agreements in the result of the procurement with merchants for development of elaboration of construction design of STDCs and PTK will be concluded by September 5, 2014.
In September 2014, the State Police plans to launch Activity 3 of the Project foreseeing analysis of laws and regulations and develop proposals to amend the laws and regulations in relation to the operation of STDCs and PTK. Within this Activity, from September 22-26, 2014, a law and regulation evaluation seminar in planned to be held in the State Police inviting representatives of the EC, Estonian police, Norwegian police, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Justice.
For provision of development of training programmes for officials and employees whose duty is related to work with detainees that are located in STDCs and PTK, from September 22-26, 2014, a visit of academic staff of the State Police College to the Police and Border Guard College of Estonia is planned in order to evaluate the training content and take over the best practice.
Subscribe to news
Receive notifications of the latest contests, news and news events in programs that are important to you!
Report Irregularities
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway have a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and mismanagement in the EEA and Norway Grants. We strongly encourage you to share your concerns and report suspected irregularities.