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CEP has received a request from the Serbian Ministry of Interior, which is asking Slovenia for a comprehensive risk assessment of the anti-corruption practices of its police. Based on the assessment results, the Serbian Ministry of Interior would like CEP to conduct a training programme for the key commanding police officers. Effectively trained commanding police officers will lead to improved state of affairs in the area of anti-corruption, which is also one of the preconditions for full visa liberalization that is foreseen for January 1^st 2010. Council of the European Union namely demands efficient implementation of the legal solutions for the fight against organized crime and corruption, including the provision of sufficient financial and human resources.

Serbia adopted the National Strategy for Fight against Corruption in December 2005, followed by the National Action Plan adopted a year later. In 2006, the Serbian Police adopted its own Code of Ethics based on recommendations by the GRECO of the Council of Europe, which includes prohibition of gifts, services and all activities that would anyhow influence the reputation of the country.

In September 2009, the Serbian Ministry of Interior adopted its own Action Plan, which firmly states the need for the raised level of police culture and police ethics, and ethical work environment as a prerequisite for an effective fight against corruption. In addition, the Police will ensure the higher expertise and efficiency, and constant training for their policemen working on anti-corruption (at least four trainings per year). Moreover, a yearly programme for entire police force based on general anti-corruption prevention measures is set to be implemented. Finally, the Action Plan anticipates amendments to the Police Code of Ethics, which will promote general corruption prevention measures.

Additionally, at the end of 2008, Law on the Agency for the fight against corruption was adopted in Serbia. It is foreseen, the Agency will begin its work on January 1^st 2010. Although, the Agency has been established, it lacks financial and human resources.

CEP will follow the goals set in the Action Plan and together with the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia provide a training programme on police ethics, professional integrity and possible preventive measures. Training programme has to be, however, accompanied by additional measures to improve prevention and punishment of corruption. If not, it is most unlikely to result in the change of behavior. Completely eliminating the corruption from police force is impossible, yet it is essential to build mechanisms that can detect corruption and support a culture of integrity in policing.