Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) was the subject of a recent CEPOL seminar (reference 09/2008) held in Bucharest, Romania on 10-13 November 2008. The main topic in the four-day seminar, organised by CEPOL and the Romanian Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reform, was how to better cooperate and assist law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities from various EU countries in establishing and conducting Joint Investigation Teams.
Bringing together those officers involved in the investigation of serious crimes likely to involve other countries or agencies, the 30 participants from 15 Member States, Europol, Eurojust and OLAF discussed various related topics and exchanged good practice.
According to a framework directive of 2002, a JIT can be set up upon the request of the competent authorities of at least two Member States if it concerns a specific trans-border case.
During the discussions, the legal professionals and experts examined practical ways of dealing with such cases, having in mind the legal framework and procedures that might differ from one country to another. They also discussed the outcomes of previous experiences.
The roles that Europol, Eurojust and OLAF could play within the set-up of JITs was also examined, with a view to benefit of their added value, and lead to enhanced cooperation among the competent authorities in the fight against cross-border organised crime.
It was highlighted during the course of the seminar how important it is for the Member States to inform Europol and Eurojust as soon as possible of their need to set-up a JIT in order to shorten the delays in the setting-up phase.
For further information about the seminar, please contact either:
- Carmen Vasile
carmen.vasile@mira.gov.roor
- Catherine Lamothe-Lionnetcatherine.lamothe@cepol.europa.eu
