CEPOL course 32-2015 “Counter-terrorism special techniques”

The German Police University organised from 15 to 17 July the CEPOL course 32-2015 “Counter-terrorism special techniques” in Münster, Germany. The aim of this course was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between European police forces and to enhance their response to terrorist attacks. Participants and experts came from National Police Special Forces, EUROPOL, the FBI and the ATLAS network, among other organisations.

The number of attacks in Europe by foreign fighters and religiously inspired terrorist groups has dramatically increased in the recent years, and this topic was at the center of the course. In this regard, police officers involved in the Verviers, Paris and Copenhagen cases presented the tactical and strategic aspects of these operations. An expert from the Federal Police of Germany explained the security challenge that IS represents in this country. Participants also attended a practical demonstration of defusing explosive devices from suicide bombers.

Furthermore, the activity addressed the SCARSOME research project from the German Police University on the latest developments in the use of social media by terrorists. Discussions on monitoring tools and applications also took place, together with a speech on cooperation between Special Forces in Europe.

Experts valued learning from each other on experiences in real cases, and praised the innovative training methodology applied to this course.