School Police Officers Enhance Skills to Prevent Juvenile Delinquency, Radicalization and Cyber Threats
August 26, 2025
In early August of 2025, the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine delivered a series of three specialised workshops for around 40 School Security Police Officers (SSPOs) from the Odesa region. The sessions focused on juvenile delinquency, hybrid threats, radicalization and recruitment of minors, as well as cybercrimes.
Participants explored the root causes of juvenile delinquency and discussed ways to develop a coherent approach with schools, families, and other stakeholders to prevent and respond to cases involving minors. One session focused on Violent Extremism and Radicalization Leading to Terrorism (VELRT), which sparked lively discussion on how SSPOs can identify and counter such risks in schools. In practical simulations, officers tested effective behaviours and tactics to address these challenges.
“Training School Security Police Officers on juvenile delinquency and radicalization is essential. Young people are often targeted through social media and messaging platforms, disguised as games or promises of ‘easy money,’ which makes educators and school police officers the first line of prevention. Recognizing red flags allows them to intervene early, work with families and teachers, and protect vulnerable youth from being exploited for criminal or terrorist acts,” says Georgios Pokas, EUAM Adviser.
The workshops also looked at the so-called red flags that may indicate a child is at risk, including sudden changes in behaviour, emotional or cognitive patterns, social withdrawal, or other warning signs. Together with EUAM’s experts, participants brainstormed ideas for awareness-raising campaigns that can support their preventive work in schools.
In addition, EUAM facilitated sessions with qualified psychologists, including experts from local NGOs. These sessions focused on gatekeeping – a strategy for suicide prevention and detection. Officers learned how to recognise early warning signs and respond effectively, contributing to efforts to reduce destructive behaviours among juveniles.
“One of the most important lessons for me was not to be afraid of speaking directly with children about sensitive issues like suicide – asking openly does not encourage such behaviour, it can help to prevent it. At the same time, to truly support a child’s well-being, we need to think wider than just the child or their parents: teachers, communities, and local authorities all play a crucial role in creating a safe environment,” says Liliya Stepanovych, Senior Inspector of Mykolaiv Regional Police.
By equipping school police officers with the tools to identify, prevent, and respond to risks linked to juvenile delinquency, radicalisation, cyber threats, and suicide, EUAM supports Ukraine’s law enforcement in creating safer school environments and fostering resilience among young people.
