The third pilot training within the FIRST-TAC project held in Mostar

The third pilot training within the Erasmus+ project Development of Joint Curriculum for First Responders on the Use of Force and First Aid Tactical Procedures (FIRST-TAC) was held at the Agency for Education and Professional Training Mostar (AEPTM) from 9 to 13 September 2024.

The FIRST-TAC project partners are AEPTM, Lithuanian Police School, Police School in Slupsk, Poland, and Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, Police Academy - The First Croatian Police Officer, as the leading partner.

The main goal of the project, which started in September 2023 and is worth 250,000 euros, is to jointly create a training program for police officers in the field of tactics and techniques for the use of force and basics of tactical medicine. The ultimate goal, however, is to improve and standardize conduct of first responding police officers when using means of coercion and providing first aid through the exchange of good practices and harmonization of national curricula of partner countries.

During the past year, subject matter experts from partner institutions created a comprehensive training package that includes the curriculum, detailed lesson plans, descriptions of complex exercises and assessment rubrics, and learning material for the participants. They also conducted two pilot trainings - in Croatia and Lithuania - during which new curricula and learning material were tested and gradually improved.

The third pilot training was an opportunity to further refine the training package in order to better meet the needs and achieve the ultimate goal - to have a well-trained and ready first responding police officer.

In addition to this third pilot training, one more is planned - from 4 to 11 November 2024 at the Police School in Slupsk, Poland.