The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) has recommended the use of body cameras for police officers after reviewing 25 cases involving allegations of mistreatment. The mission found that in most cases, violence against detainees occurred outside police facilities, and experts in security have supported the recommendation.
EULEX’s investigation documented incidents including kicking, slapping, and baton strikes allegedly inflicted by police officers on detainees.
According to the report, out of 29 victims examined, 22 suffered abuse outside police premises and 11 inside. In total, 41 officers were implicated across 24 cases, resulting in 73 charges. Among those accused, 44% belonged to special units, 37% to regular units or unspecified units, 12% were investigators, and 7% were traffic police. Three of the victims were minors.
Delayed Investigations Undermine Justice
The EULEX report criticized the slow pace of investigations:
“Initial investigations often began several weeks after public allegations, reducing the availability of evidence. Interviews with involved parties—including officers, victims, and witnesses—were sometimes delayed by months, even when identities were known. While operational priorities and staffing shortages can justify delays, slow action undermines overall effectiveness and increases the risk of coordinated testimony.”
The mission emphasized that training programs must reinforce that any form of abuse is illegal and punishable.
Expert Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Former Police Colonel Refki Morina stressed the need for lawful conduct:
“Transparency requires that arrested individuals are informed of the reasons for their detention. Mistreatment—physical or psychological—by investigators or patrol officers is unacceptable. Officers found to engage in such behavior must face legal consequences; there is no place for them in the Kosovo Police.”
Morina highlighted the importance of body cameras:
“Body cameras facilitate accountability in interactions between officers and detainees. They document behavior, ensuring police and citizen conduct aligns with democratic policing standards. Cameras are a safeguard, but awareness must be cultivated among both officers and the public.”
Recommendations
EULEX recommended that basic prosecutors prioritize cases involving police misconduct and that body cameras be deployed across all units to enhance transparency and reduce abuse.
