Patrol Police and Investigators Strengthen Crime Scene Management Skills at EUAM Workshops
May 02, 2025
This week, Patrol Police officers and investigators from Mykolaiv region took part in two specialized crime scene management trainings hosted by the Odesa Field Office at its Knowledge Hub. Overall 18 officers attended the sessions, which were organized in cooperation with the Police Unit.
The Patrol Police officers, who are often the first to arrive at the scene of a crime, focused on how to effectively secure, document, and protect evidence scenes to preserve evidence and maintain the chain of custody. They worked through practical scenarios and real-life examples to strengthen their response capabilities.
“It’s important for us to learn from our colleagues in the EU and benefit from their experience. I see that EU legislation helps police work more efficiently, and I believe that through continued cooperation, we too can move toward more effective legislation soon,” says Rustem, Patrol Police officer.
One of the sessions was led by an investigator who had previously completed EUAM’s Training of Trainers (ToT) and has now tried a new role as an instructor. Drawing from his own experience, he shared practical insights on crime scene management from an investigator’s perspective highlighting common mistakes often made by Patrol Police at the scene and offering clear guidance on how to avoid them. His contribution not only enriched the training through peer-to-peer learning but also demonstrated the long-term impact and sustainability of the ToT approach.
Meanwhile, investigators expanded their knowledge of national and international crime scene management standards, including the Minnesota Protocol. They explored homicide investigation techniques and discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools to support modern investigative work. A professor from the Ministry of Internal Affairs University in Odesa, formerly a forensic expert with the National Police, shared insights on safely and effectively inspecting sites impacted by missile strikes and shelling, highlighting the specific challenges these complex scenes present for crime scene investigators.
Desiree Hufnagl, EUAM Criminal Investigation Adviser, highlighted her enthusiasm for investigative work, remarking, “Effective crime scene management isn’t just about collecting evidence. It’s about preserving the story of what happened, ensuring justice is served and uncovering the truth through attention to detail. For police, it’s a blend of science, strategy, and problem-solving – a fascinating puzzle where every piece matters.”
Bohdan, an investigator from Mykolaiv, shared his thoughts on the training: “We examined how EU investigators handle procedures, particularly in serious crimes like homicides, which gave us valuable insights into more effective investigative techniques.”
These workshops in Odesa were part of a broader initiative to strengthen police capacity in southern Ukraine. The crime scene management trainings formed a series of three regional workshops, covering Kropyvnystkyi, Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolaiv, held from February to April 2025 and involving more than 80 participants in total. By equipping investigators and police officers with practical skills and modern investigative approaches, these trainings help ensure that crimes are properly documented, evidence is preserved, and justice is served, strengthening trust in law enforcement and enhancing safety for communities across Southern Ukraine.
