RAMALLAH, April 22, 2010 (WAFA)- EUPOL COPPS’s Police and Rule of Law experts have continued their training sessions for 33 officers of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP)’s Judicial Police branch through a new 2-weeks course on static security.

Today’s graduation ceremony -which took place in the Judicial Police HQ located in Al Bireh- was conducted by the PCP’s Deputy Chief , Brig. Gen. Munir Tilbany. It was also attended by EUPOL COPPS Head of the Rule of Law section, Nicholas ROBSON, EUPOL COPPS’ Criminal Justice and Police Law expert, Michael Schulte, and the Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the Palestinian Authority, Igor Pogačar.

This course, which is part of a 6-weeks comprehensive training programme, dealt with the security of court buildings, as well of other judicial-related facilities. Previous trainings dealt with the proper handling of detainees, and their transportation and delivery to courts. Further courses are also planned in the field of close protection for prosecutors, judges and witnesses.

EUPOL COPPS Head of the Rule of Law section Robson, highlighted the great importance given to the Judicial Police by the PA’s Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office and the Chief Justice, with whom he has regular contacts.

From his side, PCP’s Deputy Chief Tilbany emphasized “the need for developing a modern and efficient Judicial Police in order to establish an independent and democratic Palestinian State according to Prime Minister’s Salam FAYYAD’s plan by 2011”.

EUPOL COPPS’ Criminal Justice and Police Law expert, Michael Schulte, who has coordinated the whole training 6-week cycle, insisted to the new graduated officers to work professionally before the hand out of diplomas and certificates.