The CCP delivers a core curriculum of theoretical, practical and advanced specialized training followed up by regular mentoring delivered by the Programme's own team of experts. The first two phases of the structured training programme are typically provided to PCU and ACCU officers within six to nine months of the establishment of the unit. The first phase is the theoretical training, during which officers are introduced to risk analysis, profiling and targeting techniques. Knowledge gained in the theoretical training is then operationalized in the practical training, which includes the application of profiling and inspection techniques in a professional environment. Following the first two phases of formal training, PCU and ACCU officers conduct work-study tours in order to observe best practice techniques and methods at benchmarking ports. To complement the core training, the Programme has maintained the development and delivery of advanced specialized training programmes which are then delivered according to the country risk assessments and the availability of funds. These programmes deal with a range of topics, including:
The CCP is committed to improving Member States' capacity to achieve environmental justice and conservationgoals, in line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Sustainable Development Goals. As such, the Programme is a key actor in the fight against wildlife trafficking -for example, one recent search executed by the PCU in Vietnam discovered 528 kg of pangolin scales, 129 lion teeth, 93 animal claws, three leopard skins and assorted timber. The Programme also delivers advanced specialized training on timber trafficking, a constantly expanding and increasingly globalized illegal market that threatens endangered species, biodiversity, indigenous peoples' livelihoods and the global climate. Thus, this issue demands a highly trained and internationally coordinated response.
In 2017, CCP launched a specialized training programme focusing on fisheries crime. Fisheries crime covers a range of illegal activities that are often transnational and organized in nature. These activities include illegal shipments of marine resources, illegal fishing, corruption, money laundering and document and tax fraud. By bringing together PCUs, fisheries departments and other relevant actors, the Programme promotes a holistic approach to counter this form of crime.
Intellectual Property Right violations, such as the trade in counterfeit goods, are detrimental to legitimate business interests and national economies. However, this is a complex field encompassing a nexus of law, law enforcement and business. The CCP provides the coordination and expert training required to deal with these issues.
Trafficking in cultural property has been identified as a source of financing for transnational organized crime groups and terrorist organizations, including ISIS. The CCP's systematic approach to detection and seizures is integral to the international effort to combat this crime.
Training in the use of technical equipment has long been a staple of the CCP. This includes training on the use of HazMatID 360, a chemical identification system capable of identifying explosives, homemade precursors, WMDs and toxic industrial chemicals, and on the use of drug testing equipment.
STEC training deals with goods that are subject to licensing or authorization, namely weapons of mass destruction, dual-use goods and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials.
The CCP offers advanced specialized training to enhance the capacity of law enforcement authorities to detect and identify narcotic drugs and precursors which are used to make drugs or explosives.
Trafficking in illicit timber threatens biodiversity, the habitats of endangered species, the climate and is often linked to transnational organized crime and terrorism. Thus, it is vital to ensure that law enforcement authorities can identify illicit timber and understand the nuances of this enormously profitable illicit industry.
Air Cargo and Mail Security are paramount to ensuring supply chain security in the modern era. On commercial flights, air cargo is often stowed in cargo holds while passengers sit in the main cabin directly above. Thus, CCP-Air also contributes to terrorism prevention and passenger safety by enhancing cargo screening procedures.
The CCP offers advanced specialized training on evidence handling, a key step in the law enforcement process that must be done safely and correctly, consistent with forensic procedures in order to preserve evidence for legal proceedings.
The CCP plays an important role in enhancing the capacity of law enforcement authorities who are often the
mainline of
defence against actors seeking to sell or use explosives, as well as small arms and light weapons (SALW). For example, in
one seizure in 2018, the PCU in Kampala, Uganda, discovered explosives and detonators hidden on a bus. The PCU in Jalalabad,
Afghanistan, also had several impressive seizures in 2018, including one of 237 semi-automatic weapons, and one of 20 tons
of ammonium nitrate (used to manufacture IEDs).
When not detected and properly managed, shipments of illicit plastic and hazardous waste pose environmental challenges and threaten human health. CCP thus offers specialized training to target suspicious containers and to promote an inter-agency approach to address such crimes.
The Programme's capacity-building outcomes must be the sustainable growth of both the Programme's officers and the results they deliver. The CCP ensures that law enforcement officials are well trained in the use of state-of-the-art technologies and techniques and that they remain up to date with the latest concealment methods and other tactics used by transnational organized crime groups.
The immediate beneficiaries are relevant law enforcement agencies, whose staff will be better structured, trained and equipped to more effectively target high-risk shipping containers. The endeavours of the CCP also facilitate post-seizure investigations and prosecutions. In addition, these measures will also directly benefit legitimate trade by enhancing supply chain security and improving efficiency through the minimization of unnecessary checks on low-risk containers. The CCP continues to prioritize the continued development of private-sector partnerships. Cooperation between the private and public sectors brings with it improved competitive advantage, cost savings and reductions in operational risks for businesses.
