Strengthening the capacities of police agencies to combat violence against LGBTI people

One day workshop titled “Investigation of hate crimes” is being held today in Sarajevo, which is attended by 40 police officers from law enforcement agencies from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The workshop is a part of the project “Protection of human rights: Strengthening the capacities of police agencies to combat violence against LGBTI people” , conducted with the support of US embassy.

The goal of the workshop is to enlarge sensibility of police officers in their treatment of LGBTI individuals, better detection of hate crimes, promptly investigation and proofing those crimes. Building the capacities of police in combating violence against LGBTI members will contribute to increase trust in police structures, and will lead to higher number of criminal reports. Also, at the same time efficient investigation and processed criminal offences can prevent the potential offenders to commit such crimes.
Hate crimes are sending severe message of intolerance and causes fear in community to which they are directed, why  it is important for the state to react promptly.

Lecturers are the experts in this area from “Policewomen's Network” Association, Faculty of Criminalistics, criminology and security studies and from Sarajevo Open Centre.

Introduction of the workshop has been focused on the presence of high level of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in our country, caused mostly by ignorance that makes LGBTI individuals exposed to constant discrimination and endangering basic human rights. Taking into account that hate crimes have increasing tendencies, it is crucial for police to react immediately. It has been emphasized that police is service for all citizens, that police officers have the obligation to act professionally in every situation without expressing prejudices toward any individual.