Odessa, 24 JANUARY 2017, CONTEXT-Prichernomorie — The experts of the Advisory mission of the EU and of the Czech police began a 4-day training for members of the National police of Ukraine in Odessa on the implementation of the tool of negotiation in ensuring public order, the correspondent of IA «Context-Prichernomorie» reports.

It was reported to the agency today, January 24, in the public relations Department of the EU mission.

As noted in the department, the introduction of the instrument of negotiations would create a «partnership» between the police and the public of Odessa. Method of use of negotiation when policing was developed more than ten years ago in Germany and Sweden, and is now widely used in the EU.

This method is an effective means of reducing potential violence in large crowds, for example during demonstrations or football matches. Training in Odessa will focus on the organization of work of Anti-conflict teams within the police force, the study of crowd psychology and case studies on methods of crowd control.

The idea behind the method is based on the fact that in a democratic society the police role is to protect the rights of citizens to freedom of assembly. Police officers patrol the small groups in the crowd, and for better visibility dressed in yellow vests instead of the usual form. They keep in touch with people, explaining the rights and obligations of participants of mass events. By establishing a dialogue with citizens during large meetings, police significantly reduce the risk of an escalation of violence and prevent confrontation.

«In the interests of all participants of process — to create a successful dialogue between the police and citizens. Such a dialogue deepens public trust in the police and reminds people that the police exists to protect citizens and their rights. If the police can establish a trust relationship with citizens, event organizers or demonstrations are ready to cooperate in the identification of potential sources of violence. Partnerships with the public — the main task of the police in democratic societies», — said the Chairman of the operational Department of CME Udo Möller.

The Department also explained that the application method of the negotiations with law enforcement does not eliminate traditional methods of crowd control. If violence does occur, the police react to it instantly. Method of dialogue with the crowd is based on the assumption that the most effective way to prevent violence is to build a trusting relationship with the public, but the use of more rigorous methods valid only in case of emergency.