Specialised training on prison operational work, intended for prison security staff acting as points of contact, was organised on 19-21 March 2025 in the State Prison of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The training session provided further support the strengthening of prison operational work within the penitentiary systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was introduced with the support of the Council of Europe.

Through practical exercises facilitated by the core team of local trainers, 17 participants enhanced their knowledge on the functioning of the prison operational work, including the procedures for sharing information and co-operation with law enforcement agencies.

Prison operational work plays a significant part in detecting signs and providing early warning related to the potential harmful acts coming from violent extremist offenders, as well as in sharing information and co-operation with law enforcement agencies.

The Council of Europe will continue to support the prison staff, as well as the justice ministries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Republika Srpska to further develop their capacities through training and mentoring activities. The key objective is to reach full functionality of the prison operational work, therefore paving the way towards enhancing co-operation and information exchange between prisons, law-enforcement agencies, and other relevant bodies, contributing to a safe and secure environment for the entire society.

Project “Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) - Phase I” is funded under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.