The CEPOL course for SIRENE Officers (basic level) was held in Berne, Switzerland from 26 - 30 November 2012. The activity was developed and organised through a partnership between CEPOL and the Swiss Police institute and SIRENE Switzerland. The activity dealt with the basics of working in a SIRENE Bureau based on procedures and practices described in the SIRENE Manual and the ”Schengen Catalogue - Best Practices”.
Thirty four participants from 22 Member States including delegates from Switzerland and Liechtenstein took part in the seminar. Prior to the seminar participants were invited to log into CEPOL’s e-Net in order to carefully study pre-course material (SIRENE Module, exclusively for SIRENE operators).
The seminar’s teaching methods included lectures and group assignments in four specific areas, namely:
- Procedures involving article 95 “Arrest for judicial authorithy” of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA) led by Gro Persson from the Swedish SIRENE Bureau.
- Procedures involving CISA articles 96 “Residence Ban” led by Manuela Brenner of the Swiss SIRENE Bureau.
- Procedures involving CISA articles 97, 98 and 99 “Missing persons, Whereabouts, discreet surveillance and specific check” led by Lieve VanderSchot of the Belgian SIRENE Bureau.
- Procedures involving article 100 “Search of properties” and “Police Cooperation led by Judith Hoogesteger of the Dutch SIRENE Bureau.
All trainers were supervised throughout the activity by lead trainer Roman Gfrerer from the Austrian SIRENE Bureau
Presentations covered both theoretical and practical matters. Particular cases demonstrating information exchange via forms, issue solving and correct/incorrect procedures were presented. Participants took an active part in the workshops presenting their national solutions and procedures highlighting similarities as well as differences. All delegates discussed particular issues and responsibilities of the SIRENE Bureau in rapport to national and international proceedings. Furthermore a presentation of the expected future in relation with SIS II was given from the leading trainer.
Information on the Schengen Convention, entering and querying alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS), multiple alerts, post-hit procedures, use of forms, consultation procedures, misused identities and other relevant legal acts was given and shared during the seminar. In short: 360° of the role of SIRENE Bureau operators were covered during the seminar.
Bearing in mind that some that some participants were much more experienced, information was presented not only at an elementary level involving the basic procedures but also from a more advanced point of view involving some detailed aspects.
Overall the outcome of the seminar was very positive. The collaborative atmosphere that surrounded the seminar, much helped by the support from the Swiss Police Institut and the Swiss SIRENE Bureau, created an ideal environment for learning, sharing and networking.
