CEPOL residential/exchange activities to remain suspended until 31 July

In line with its initial response to the COVID-19 epidemic, CEPOL continues to take the appropriate actions to protect the health of its staff and stakeholders.

Following the analysis of the current situation in the host Member State and in compliance with actions pursued by other EU institutions and bodies, CEPOL’s Management Board has decided on the extension of the suspension of the residential and exchange activities until 31 July 2020.

The suspension will continue to affect the following activities:

• Residential (on-site) training activities, including training activities, carried out in the context of externally funded projects,
• Exchanges,
• Missions of CEPOL staff, except missions permitted upon approval of the Executive Director when compelling business needs require so,
• CEPOL organised meetings,
• Group visits to CEPOL premises in Budapest.

The above decision does not include CEPOL’s eLearning offer and any other online activities pursued by the Agency, but it does affect activities carried out in the context of externally funded projects.

The suspension of residential and exchange activities is a temporary and necessary precaution in line with the best medical advice to ensure the safety of CEPOL staff and its stakeholders.

In response to this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, CEPOL facilitated remote working of most of its staff. Additionally, CEPOL put measures in place aimed at maintaining its activity through the crisis. CEPOL deployed efforts in 180 degrees to ensure continued excellence in the quality of the services provided to the law enforcement community in Europe and third countries, and reinforced its online training package. In addition, a COVID-19 Task Force was set up to respond to potential emerging needs in the Member States, making available to law enforcement agencies, academia and training institutions its advanced e-learning infrastructure and technology in order to ensure continuity in the delivery of mass training activities to law enforcement officers across Europe. Up to now, more than 1,150 people have benefitted from this COVID-19 specific support initiative.

The Agency is constantly monitoring and evaluating the risks and implications of the ongoing 2019-2020 COVID-19 in relation to the carrying-out of CEPOL operational activities.

For any further information on the extension of the suspension of the residential and exchange activities, please refer to your CEPOL National Units.