GREATER PIBOR ADMINISTRATIVE AREA - Developing an effective and efficient criminal investigative system takes time and effort, the benefit of which is key to the effective operations of any security apparatus.

Thus, when the United Nations Police officers (UNPOL) deployed with UNMISS in Bor suggested facilitating a three-day workshop for the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) on thorough investigative techniques and the criminal justice system in the country, local police officers in the Greater Pibor area were glad to collaborate and strengthen their skills.

35 South Sudanese police officers, including 10 women, benefited from this workshop, which also drew support from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Human Rights and Child Protection sections, Indian peacekeepers, and Reform Officers.

For Brigadier-General Chilo Kuyet Gola, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Pibor, the intensive training opened new facets of law enforcement for officers under his command.

“Such trainings are extremely valuable and equip us to serve and protect communities more effectively. We are appreciative of UNMISS and our UNPOL partners for their continuing commitment to helping bring South Sudanese policing standards at par with internationally accepted norms. We look forward to similar productive interactions in future.”

Colonel Juma Lothiboyi Lom, a participant, was happy as well.

“I am optimistic that this workshop has equipped us to be more professional and we’ve gained a lot of knowledge about our criminal justice system. Such learning helps us do more for our people,” stated Colonel Lom, while requesting the mission’s support in building a boundary wall for the Pibor Police Station to make it more secure.

Ravinder Khanduri, Head of the UNPOL Reform Team trained participants on conducting a proper crime scene investigation while other key topics discussed included respecting human rights of suspects.  

“We sensitized them on the criminal justice system in South Sudan, as well as the essentials of case preparation, planning and reporting—these fundamentals form the basis of a thorough investigation by a police officer,” explains Mr. Khanduri. “Other issues we covered were upholding the rights and dignity of suspects and protecting children,” he added.

Furthermore, participants were also taken through a demonstration on how to administer emergency first aid. 

Building capacities that strengthen the rule of law is one of UNMISS' mandated tasks across South Sudan as the country transitions from war to peace.