NewsCEPOL course strengthens expertise in tackling forest fire crime
The CEPOL Advanced Course 71/2026/ONS on Forest Fire and Crime Scene Investigation Techniques was held in Sabaudia, Italy, from 3 to 6 November 2026. Organised by CEPOL in cooperation with the Arma dei Carabinieri – Centre of Excellence for Environmental Protection (CoEPP),
it responded to increasing demand for expert knowledge in investigating forest fire crime.
The course was delivered under CEPOL’s Emerging Training Needs Scheme, which aims to address some of the latest and most pressing crime trends.
It brought together 32 law enforcement professionals from 16 European countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden) to strengthen their understanding and practical skills in the prevention, analysis and investigation of forest fire crime.
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Through a technology-driven approach, participants explored the use of field surveys, LiDAR drones and satellite Earth observation data, including the Copernicus Programme. These tools helped them apply modern techniques to identify the origin and cause of fires, as well as to improve the mapping and investigation of affected areas.
The training also provided a valuable platform for exchanging best practices, reinforcing cross-border cooperation and promoting innovative tools to support more effective forest fire crime investigations across Europe.
CEPOL expresses its gratitude to the Arma dei Carabinieri – Centre of Excellence for Environmental Protection (CoEPP) for successfully delivering this important training activity and for contributing to stronger European law enforcement cooperation in tackling environmental crime. CEPOL would also like to thank all participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the course.
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EMPACT training activity
Combatting new forms of organised crime requires more cooperation between police and gendarmes, customs officers, border guards, judges, and prosecutors. EU institutions, agencies and Member States work together to tackle organised and serious international crime through a permanent and key instrument: the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).
CEPOL plays a crucial role in the EMPACT mechanism through the provision of specialised training and the identification of training needs within each common security threat. Every year, CEPOL provides a comprehensive training package for each common EU crime priority consisting of onsite, online and exchange training activities.
Check more of CEPOL's EMPACT training activities here.
