Joint police operations in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland: comparative study on the implementation of the Prüm decision

Abstract

This publication concerns presentation of outcomes of the research conducted during the implementation of the European Union funded Project „Implementation of Prüm Decision. Preparation for The Joint Police Operations in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland”. The Project was implemented by the Lithuanian police together with its regional partners from Estonia, Latvia and Poland (Podlaski Voivodship) and aimed at the development of joint cooperation mechanisms, identification of good practice in the framework of Article 17 of the Prüm Decision and strengthening of regional cooperation. Joint operations in the light of the Prüm Decision are relatively new instrument, in particular regarding practical implementation of this tool. With this research it was sought to introduce readers with the main provisions of international and national legal regulation of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland related with the implementation of the Prüm Decision and to analyse and compare legal, procedural and practical aspects in organizing joint police operations. Furthermore it was intended to identify and propose suggestions on the legal regulation and organization of joint police operations seeking to efficiently implement provisions of the Prüm Decision. The Project Partner countries have different degree of detailed procedures on the maintenance of public order and security in place. Despite the fact that it does not prohibit the organization of joint operation but makes it more difficult to organize, therefore it is mindful to consider harmonization of procedures among certain regional partners.