University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies

HONORARY LECTURE OF PROFESSOR CORY WATKINS

Students of Undergraduate Academic Studies of Criminalistics of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies had the special honour of listening honorary lecture of professor Cory Watkins, from the University of Central Florida-UCF, United States of America, on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

Professor Watkins, during a one-hour lecture, spoke about the importance of teamwork in the police profession, emphasizing that an individual does not exist in a team, but each team achieves a functional unity through cooperation. He pointed out that the key of good operational work is in communication between members of the criminal justice system and general public. In addition, he spoke about the importance of technology and its application in police work, because it allows you to "hear what you cannot see".

After the lecture, Professor Watkins answered numerous questions from the audience, explaining more closely the similarities and differences between police education and work in the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America. This way, once again, it is confirmed that the exchange of knowledge at the international level enables better understanding of challenges we face, and a clearer view of possible solutions.

You can see the photographs here.
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VISIT OF PROFESSOR CORY WATKINS ON THE OCCASION OF THE “ARCHIBALD REISS DAYS” CONFERENCE

In anticipation of the XII international scientific conference „Archibald Reiss Days”, Professor Cory Watkins, PhD, from the University of Central Florida, United States of America, visited the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies on Monday, November 7, 2022.

This visit is the result of the exceptional cooperation that the University has achieved with the University of Central Florida, thanks to the support of the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP). During the first day of the visit, Rector Professor Zoran Đurđević, LLD, with his team, welcomed distinguished guest, expressing his satisfaction with the continuation of cooperation and the participation of Professor Watkins at the „Archibald Reiss Days”, conference. During the meeting, the history, role, study programs and strategic directions of work and development of the University were presented. Professor Watkins had the opportunity to visit the University complex and familiarize himself with the teaching facilities, as well as planned projects aimed at improving study and work conditions.

In addition to participating in the work of the scientific conference „Archibald Reiss Days”, Professor Watkins will also give an honorary lecture to the students of the University, on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 10 a.m.

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THE VISIT OF THE UCIPS DELEGATION TO THE COLLEGE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF THE GERMAN FEDERAL CRIMINAL POLICE IN WIESBADEN

The delegation of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, composed of the Rector, Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD, Vice-Rector for Studies, Prof. Nenad Milić, LLD, and Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Tanja Kesić, LLD, paid an official visit to the College of Public Administration and the Department of the Federal Criminal Police in Wiesbaden from June 26 to 29, 2022. The official visit was organised by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Belgrade with the help of assistant liaison officer, Zorica Milovanović, who was part of the UCIPS delegation. The UCIPS delegation was received by the Dean of the College, Prof. Thorsten Heyer, PhD, Deputy Dean and one of the editors of the journal “Kriminalistik”, Martin Sigmund, teacher Sigrid Baumann, officer for organisation of teaching and supervision, Manuela Kugler, and teacher Dietrich Rosmuller, PhD.

During the official visit, a meeting was organised with representatives of the Department of the Federal Criminal Police as well as a tour of the Department’s premises. In addition, in the central building of the Federal Criminal Police in Wiesbaden, the delegation was presented with certain elements of tactical training of students, shooting simulation system and the work of police officers engaged in detection and deactivation of explosive devices and investigation after explosions.

In discussions with the representatives of the College of Public Administration and the Department of the Federal Criminal Police in Wiesbaden, future forms of cooperation were agreed, such as the organisation of a visit by students of the Department of the Federal Criminal Police in Wiesbaden to the UCIPS in October 2022, and initiation of joint activities within the Erasmus+ projects. Another topic of discussion was the possibility of holding a joint exercise of students of the Department of the Federal Criminal Police and the UCIPS. The UCIPS delegation has received an official invitation to attend the final exercise of the students of the Department of the Federal Criminal Police and the promotion of the College graduates in October 2022. 

The official visit of the UCIPS delegation took place in a constructive, cordial and friendly atmosphere. The hosts have expressed their sincere intention for intensive cooperation between our institutions and have invited our teachers and associates to publish their papers in the scientific journal “Kriminalistik”. 

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STUDY VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The delegation of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, consisting of Rector, Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD, Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Tanja Kesić, LLD, and Vice-Rector for Interinstitutional Cooperation, Prof. Nenad Radović, LLD, visited the University of Central Florida in Orlando, United States, from 6 to 10 June 2022. Assistant Chief of the Criminal Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Brandić, also visited the University of Central Florida. The study visit was realized with the support of the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), whose delegation, during the visit, consisted of the head of the project “Institutional Capacity Development”, Ms Maja Milovanović, head of the project “Organized Crime”, Mrs Dragana Grujin, and former Program Advisor, Mr William Bochter.

During the five-day visit, the UCIPS representatives had the opportunity to visit the campus of the University of Central Florida, where they were presented with the entire work of the Police Station within the University, the way of collecting and storing evidence, the methods of interviewing, as well as with the problems they encounter on a daily basis. In addition, the delegation was presented with the work and curricula of the Valencia College’s School of Public Safety.

The Orange County Police Department also hosted the UCIPS delegation and presented their capacities when it comes to shooting ranges, firearms training methods for students and members of the service, as well as for the civilian population. In addition, the UCIPS representatives had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the K9 Unit, which is in charge of training dogs to detect drugs, money and explosives. During the study visit, the UCIPS delegation was introduced to the VirTra Simulator, which allows participants to prepare for the most difficult real-world situations, with realistic variables such as multiple and intense visual and auditory stimuli, the use of standard weapons and active return fire simulation. This unique simulator (training lasts 25 weeks) has interactive scenarios that help police officers improve their skills in using firearms under psychological pressure, in a safe environment. In addition, the Driving Range was presented, which serves to train police officers and students to drive under special conditions and forcibly stop vehicles during vehicle pursuits. On that occasion, the importance of control of police officers in traffic and presence of cameras in police vehicles was especially emphasized. During the visit to the Orange County Sheriffʼs Office, the delegation had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the Emergency Ops Center, Crime Lab, and the Investigations Department.

During the study visit, the delegation visited the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange. On that occasion, Deputy Director Jonathan Cute and Daniel Easter briefed the delegation on the manner of work of their intelligence fusion center, which collects and processes all information relevant to crime control.

On the last day of the visit, the delegation toured the downtown campus of the University of Central Florida and got acquainted with the study conditions, Library, Gym, lecture halls and the Moot Court. These visits, with exceptional hospitality, were led by Associate Provost, Dr. Ross Wolf, Dr. Cory Watkins, Dr. Jeffrey W. Goltz, Sergeant Michael Rosignol, Assistant Director of the Institute of Criminal Justice Steve Kelley, and Corporal Roberto Aristondo.

During the UCIPS delegation’s stay in Florida, potential modalities of cooperation between the two higher education institutions, possibilities for creating and implementing joint projects, and exchange of teachers and students were discussed.

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MINISTER OF INTERIOR ALEKSANDAR VULIN VISITED THE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY DURING THEIR FIELD TRAINING IN THE TRAINING CENTRE “MITROVO POLJE”

On April 12, 2022, Minister of Interior Aleksandar Vulin and his associates visited the students of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies during their field training at the Training Centre of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia “Mitrovo Polje”. The Minister of Interior Aleksandar Vulin was welcomed by the Head of Field Training, Prof. Saša Milojević, PhD, and Deputy Head of Field Training, Head of the Class Marko Aranđelović.

Minister Vulin witnessed today the high level of training and ability of the first-year students of the University and stressed that the Ministry of Interior, with the full support of the state and President Vučić, is heavily investing in the development and progress of the police, through investing in people and staff.

Minister Aleksandar Vulin told the students to study diligently and acquire new knowledge, but above all to be good people worthy of all admiration and respect. The Minister pointed out that from now on, everyone who graduates from the UCIPS will have a priority in employment in the Ministry of Interior, and that the country is most seriously counting on the staff coming from the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies.

“Make good use of the time you spend here. What you don’t learn today, you’ll find harder to learn tomorrow. Those who take care of you, take care of you as if you were their children. Appreciate this and do not gamble on the trust of your country, the trust that has been given to you and the opportunity that appears once in a lifetime. You are given everything to prepare and study well, you have the best conditions and the best professors. From now on, when you finish the UCIPS, you get a job, you get a position in accordance with your rank and education. However, in addition to the acquired skills and knowledge, the most important thing for you is to be good people. We will give you training, and a uniform, and a badge, and a pistol, but whether you deserve respect is up to you. Do not think that the badge makes you a police officer, the system of values that you adopt here during the training and education at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies is what makes you a police officer”, said Minister of Interior Aleksandar Vulin addressing the first-year students of the University at the Training Centre “Mitrovo Polje”.

The Minister of Interior Aleksandar Vulin pointed out that diligent, trained and educated police officers are the bearers of the fight against crime and the foundation in preserving the peace and stability of the country.

“Our country is in need of highly educated staff, educated and trained police officers who will know and be able to respond to all challenges and threats. That is why the Ministry of Interior is determined to invest in the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, in our future and youth, in the modernisation of the police, which will always be one step ahead of criminals and at the service of citizens”, said Minister Aleksandar Vulin.

In the Training Centre “Mitrovo polje”, the first-year students of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies presented the abilities, knowledge and skills they acquired during their education through several different exercises.

The first-year students of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies presented their previous knowledge through four exercises. The first exercise was called “Presentation of the level of students’ ability to establish public order and peace disturbed on a large scale” led by the University faculty member, Prof. Bojan Janković, PhD, while the second was “Presentation of the level of training of students in shooting and handling of service weapons”, which was led by the Head of the Class Marko Aranđelović. The third exercise, led by the police skills teacher Raša Dimitrijević, was “Presentation of the level of students’ ability to cross the obstacle polygon”, and the fourth, led by the University faculty member, Prof. Boban Milojković, PhD, was “Presentation of the level of students’ ability to fight against a sabotage-terrorist group”.

You can see the photographs here.
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SEMINAR “INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWING” – EMERITUS PROFESSOR RAY BULL, DSc

On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, British Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychology Ray Bull, DSc, held a lecture at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies on the topic The “PEACE” model of Investigative Interviewing. The distinguished guest was welcomed by Vice-Rector for Interinstitutional Cooperation. Prof. Nenad Radović, LLD, Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Tanja Kesić, LLD, and Head of the Division of Forensic Engineering, Prof. Nikola Milašinović, PhD. Professor Bull participated in the development of the PEACE method of investigative interviewing and achieved significant results in the field of interviewing of suspects, victims and witnesses (including children).

The lecture was held as part of a seminar on investigative interviewing, which will be held from April 12 to 14, 2022. On Wednesday, April 13, Professor Bull will give a lecture on Specific features of investigative interviewing with reference to violent crimes, including domestic violence, while on Thursday, April 14, 2022, he will speak of Specific features of investigative interviewing of children as witnesses and victims of violence, as well as rape victims. Participants in the seminar will be members of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the faculty members and employees of the University.

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THE UNIVERSITY OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND POLICE STUDIES AND ICOM SERBIA SIGNED COOPERATION AGREEMENT

Assistant Professor Nikola Krstović, PhD, President of the National Committee of ICOM (International Council of Museums) Serbia visited the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies on April 5, 2022 in order to sign the Agreement on Cooperation. This event was hosted by the Rector of the University, Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD, Vice-Rector for Interinstitutional Cooperation Prof. Nenad Radović, LLD, Vice-Rector for Science Prof. Tanja Kesić, LLD, Vice-Rector for Finances Prof. Aleksandar Bošković, LLD, Vice-Rector for Studies Prof. Nenad Milić, LLD, Head of the Library Renata Samardžić, PhD, and expert associate Jasna Petrović.

Rector Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD, presented the history, organization, study programmes and human resources of the University to the distinguished guest. He pointed out that the purpose of the Agreement is the organization and implementation of scientific, cultural, publishing and other activities, projects and programmes in the field of science and culture and the promotion of the activities of ICOM Serbia and the University.

Mr Krstović pointed out that ICOM Serbia promotes intangible heritage and preservation of tangible heritage, develops standards of best practice of the world museum community and contributes to the international agenda of museums in Serbia through a global approach and programmes. He expressed his satisfaction that the Agreement on Cooperation between ICOM Serbia and the University is being implemented in full in practice, emphasizing that such а practice is an exemplary model of fruitful cooperation.

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THE AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION SIGEND BETWEEN THE MINISTRIES OF INTERIOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA AND THE UCIPS

On the occasion of marking the 30th anniversary of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Srpska, an Agreement on Cooperation was signed in Banja Luka between the Ministries of Interior of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska and the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies. The Agreement was signed by the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Aleksandar Vulin, the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Srpska, Mr Dragan Lukač, and the Rector of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD. Based on the signed Agreement, members of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Srpska will be able to get their education at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade.

The Agreement stipulates that the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies shall announce a competition for the admission of candidates sent by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Srpska in Bachelor’s studies of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies.

The signed Agreement also stipulates that up to five selected candidates shall be enrolled in the first year of Bachelor’s studies in the 2022-2023 academic year, and their studies shall be financed from the budget of the Republic of Serbia.

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VISIT OF THE DELEGATION OF THE HIGHER VOCATIONAL SCHOOL FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FROM WIESBADEN

Representatives of the Federal Criminal Police Department of the Higher Vocational School of Public Administration, Wiesbaden, Federal Republic of Germany, visited the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies on Monday, April 4, 2022. The delegation consisted of the Dean of the Federal Criminal Police Department Thorsten Heyer, dr Dietrich Rossmüller, teacher, Sigrid Baumann, teacher/instructor and Manuela Kugler, mentoring officer.

During the visit, a meeting was held with the Rector of the University, prof. dr Zoran Đurđević, Vice-Rector for Teaching prof. dr Nenad Milić, Vice-Rector for Science prof. dr Tanja Kesić, Vice-Rector for Inter-institutional Cooperation prof. Dr. Nenad Radović and Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs prof. dr Aleksandar Bošković. The Rector of the University, together with his associates, presented to the distinguished guests the history, strategic directions of work and development of the University, departments, teaching process and scientific research work. Also, the delegation from Wiesbaden had the opportunity to get acquainted with the activities within the inter-institutional cooperation, international projects and mobility projects, but also with the activities in the direction of improving the working conditions and studying at the University.

During the meeting, representatives of the University and the Department discussed the modalities of drafting and signing an appropriate document that would define and regulate future bilateral cooperation between the two institutions. Also, they talked about the possibilities for the realization of study visits of students of the Department of Federal Criminal Police to the University, but also the possibilities for the realization of return visits.

After the meeting, the delegation from Wiesbaden visited the memorial room "dr Archibald Reiss", the Centre for Criminal Investigation and Development of Police Profession, the laboratory of the Department of Forensics and attended the opening of the exhibition "Red List of Endangered Cultural Heritage in Southeast Europe" organized by the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies and National ICOM Serbia Committee.

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AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND POLICE STUDIES AND BELGRADE HISTORICAL INSTITUTE SIGNED

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies was visited by professor Aleksandar Rastović, Director of the Historical Institute from Belgrade, for the purpose of signing the Agreement on Scientific, Educational and Cultural Cooperation. The hosts of this event were the Rector of the University, professor Zoran Đurđević, Vice-Rector for Interinstitutional Cooperation professor Nenad Radović, Vice-Rector for Science professor Tanja Kesić, Vice-Rector for material and financial affairs professor Aleksandar Bošković, professor Ivana Krstić Mistridželović and associate Jasna Petrović.

Rector professor Zoran Đurđević, introduced the distinguished guest to the history, organization, study programs and human resources of the University. He pointed out that the goal of the Agreement is the organization and realization of scientific, cultural, publishing and other activities, projects and programs in the field of science, culture and promoting the activities of the Historical Institute and the University.

Mr. Rastović presented the structure of the Historical Institute and introduced the hosts to the organization, human resources and activities that are realized. He expressed his satisfaction that the Agreement on Cooperation between the Institute and the University is being implemented fully in practice, emphasizing that such a practice of implementing the agreement is an exemplary model of fruitful cooperation.

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UNIVERSITY DAY CELEBRATED

The Day of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies was solemnly marked on February 8, 2022. The ceremony held at the University was attended by Minister of Interior Mr. Aleksandar Vulin, Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Bojan Jocić, Secretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Milosav Milicković, Advisor of the Minister and Chief of The Cabinet of the Minister Mr. Mile Radivojević, Assistant Minister and Head of the Human Resources Department. Mr. Vladimir Ilić, Assistant Minister and Head of the Internal Control Sector of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Dejan Kovačević, Assistant Minister and Head of the Sector for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Luka Čaušić, representative of the Sector for Analytics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies of the Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Slaviša Đukanović, Deputy Head of the Sector for International Cooperation, European Affairs and Planning of the Ministry of the Interior Mrs. Maja Jestrović, Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Zoran Lazić, Deputy Head of the Internal Control Sector of the Ministry of the Interior Mr. Slaviša Sovtić, acting Director of the Post of Serbia, Mr. Zoran Đorđević. Among the guests, there were representatives of The Cabinet of the Minister, Department of the police and the Human Resources Sector, members of the Conference of Serbian Universities, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Embassy of the United States.

The Minister of the Interior, Mr. Aleksandar Vulin, was welcomed by the students of the University, in front of whom the report was submitted by the Commander of the Class, police captain Marko Arandjelović.

Before the beginning of the ceremony in the amphitheatre "dr Archibald Rice", the Minister of the Interior Mr. Aleksandar Vulin, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Thomas Schieb and the Rector of the University Professor Zoran Đurđević LLD, officially opened the Amphitheater II, whose renovation has been financed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Belgrade.

The ceremony began with the intonation of the national and student anthem and the parade of the best graduate students, after which the welcoming speech was given by the rector of the University. "Our basic mission is to provide support to the Ministry of the Interior in the realization of the Ministry's strategic goals, which is to create a safe community for all citizens of the Republic of Serbia," rector Djurdjević said and emphasized that the exchange of knowledge and experiences is the basis for progress in both science and profession. “I am especially pleased to point out that the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies has 59 signed agreements with institutions in the Republic of Serbia and 33 agreements with institutions outside the Republic of Serbia. Also, the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies is a member of the International Association of European Police Colleges. “said rector Đurđević. He briefly informed about the activities and results achieved at the University in the previous period, emphasizing that he is especially proud of the outstanding achievements of students and employees.

Also, Minister Mr. Aleksandar Vulin and the Rector Professor Zoran Đurđević LLD handed over awards to the best graduates of the University in the school year 2020/2021. The awards were handed over to the following students:

UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STUDIES OF CRIMINALISTICS Dušan Sinadinović, for an average grade of 9.33; UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STUDIES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jana Jovanović, for an average grade of 9.42; UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC STUDIES OF FORENSIC ENGINEERING Marija Kolarević, for an average grade of 9.81; UNDERGRADUATE VOCATIONAL STUDIES OF CRIMINALISTICS Vanja Miletić, for an average grade of 8.27. Also, students of the University Barbara Strnad and Ivan Ivanović were awarded with letters of gratitude for the results achieved in the implementation of extracurricular activities.

Rector Đurđević also awarded: Charter for contribution to the development and improvement of higher police education to Mr. Bojan Jocic, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior; Charter for contribution to the promotion and affirmation of the University to Mr. Bogdan Pušić, Chief of the Criminal Police Directorate; Charter for professional and wholehearted support to teaching activities to Mr. Dejan Lukovic, General of Police; Charter for contribution to the improvement of working conditions at the University to Federal Criminal Police of the Republic of Germany.

The Minister of the Interior, Mr. Aleksandar Vulin, also gave a speech, wishing the graduate students a successful career. "Everything we are doing to make you have better conditions, to make learning easier, better and safer, will make sense only if each of you understands that the state did not create these conditions nor the job that awaits you as a sign of attention, but as a measure of responsibility that you will one day return to your Serbia for everything it has invested in you. We teach you to be better than the best so that you can face the worst. The state of Serbia has invested money, time, attention in you so that one day you can protect it and deserve respect. I want people to speak for you in the years to come – “he is from the University of Criminal Investigation and Police studies” and that that statement already inspires trust and respect. We can give you everything except trust and respect, you will either win it for yourself or you will never get it. It's up to you. There is no uniform and school that will win your respect and trust, and we can only believe that you are worthy of the part that was given to you. You have no right to betray Serbia." said Minister Vulin.

As part of the artistic program, the guests enjoyed music performed by Tijana Rajković and the Police Orchestra, as well as the documentary "Telling about our prominent criminalists".

The University thanks the media and institutions that sent congratulations on the occasion of the Day of the University.

You can see pictures here.