Community Policing has moved forward a lot compared to the past, when a reactive approach prevailed. Nowadays, in Europe, like in Palestine, community policing serves the purpose of addressing problems before it is too late. This can be lifesaving or can avoid ruin lives within communities due to insecurity or criminal acts that can in fact be prevented, thanks to a trustworthy cooperation among the communities and the police.

This and more was discussed during an interactive session EUPOL COPPS Security Sector Advisors from Spain and Sweden held with their Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) partners at the Palestine College for police Sciences, in Jericho on 12 November. The lecture happened within the framework of a two-day workshop starting on 11 November, named Community Councils Coordinators Training Program, organised by the PCP and the UN Sawasya project.

EUPOL COPPS advisors shared their experience on international models in the application of community policing and the formation of councils focusing on the identification of community priorities to then convert these into active initiatives involving the PCP and the society. Documenting activities, tracking impact and measuring results was also discussed. The participants exchanged on real-life example of best practices from Spain and Sweden that can be adapted to the local context.

At the Jericho event, PCP participants also trained on topics, including defining community councils’ concept, core principles, frameworks, defining roles, assign responsibilities, and operational action plans; enhancing communication, dialogue, and trust-building skills with the community.