Support to police force reform in Algeria

A project of EU technical assistance to police force reform in Algeria can now get under way as the contract has been signed this week by the European Commission.

Implementation will be spread over 6 years. The EU's financial contribution is 8.2 million, accounting for 89% of the total cost. The remainder is paid by the Algerian Ministry for Home Affairs. The corresponding financing convention had been signed last year by European Commission President Romano Prodi during his trip to the Maghreb. The aim of the project is to raise training levels of Algerian police officials, especially as regards respect for human rights in the performance of their duties.

The project is part of efforts towards strengthening good governance and establishing the Rule of Law. In practice EU support will consist of training periods in Europe and in Algeria, helping buy equipment for investigation laboratories, and designing and setting up a plan for internal and external communication. In addition, technical assistance will be provided for reforming and managing the training system, creating an Institute of Criminal Sciences, and strengthening cells for the strategic analysis of crime.