18 June 2013 - UNMISS held a training workshop on effective criminal investigation for South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers in Manyo Country today as part of an ongoing effort to help reduce the incidence of prolonged and arbitrary detention in Upper Nile State.

UNMISS Justice Advisory Section and UN Police jointly organized the one-day training, which covered topics such as how to conduct meaningful investigations and obtain evidence and reviewed legal provisions relating to evidence, detention and arrests.

"Our aim is to put an end to these practices (prolonged and arbitrary detention) and we can only achieve that by creating awareness (among) police officers (as well as) enhancing their skills and efficiency," said UNMISS Judicial Affairs Officer Clemence Chimbari said.

Eleven SSNPS officers attended the training, which County Police Commissioner Col. Athal Dau described as "timely".

"We ... appreciate what UNMISS is doing for us ... especially in building our capacity so that we can work professionally and finally build the confidence of our people," said one of the participants, 2nd Lt. Peter Khan Ruot.

Other police officers expressed their willingness to undergo further training and urged UNMISS to continue with its support, cooperation and efforts to raise professional standards within the SSNPS.

"There is need to train young and new members of SSNPS ... especially on recording statements in English," said Sgt. John Ajang.

The Justice Advisory Section conducted similar trainings in the Upper Nile State counties of Malakal, Renk and Melut in recent months.