Supporting Radicalisation Prevention in Central Asia in light of Dynamic Security and Prison Intelligence

IPS_Innovative Prison Systems is contributing its expertise in Radicalisation Prevention to the INTERPOL-supported project LEICA. The initiative is partnering with Central Asian countries to enhance law enforcement capacities in preventing and countering terrorist activity.

EU and Kyrgyz experts gathered to share and discuss best practices and recommendations that can contribute to preventing radicalisation and terrorism in prisons. These include risk screening and assessment, prison security, prison intelligence, staff training, and rehabilitation programmes.

The specialised group meeting was dedicated to creating a series of recommendations to support the development of procedures and services in prison management, focusing on the particularities of the Kyrgyz Department of Execution of Sentences (acting under the umbrella of the Ministry of Justice of Kyrgyzstan).

As experts in the field of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), IPS_Innovative Prison Systems brought to the table knowledge and best practices developed in the European context.

Leveraging IPS’ experience in Europe to advance P/CVE efforts in Central Asia

The importance of risk assessment and the use of reliable evaluation tools is an essential topic of discussion. Decision-making regarding risk factors and vulnerable individuals in prison must be rooted in a deeper understanding of the radicalisation phenomena, and the pathways to violent extremism. Then, accessibility to, and training in detailed risk-assessment tools allow for consistent responses based on knowledge instead of prejudice.

Multi-level instruments such as the Radicalisation Risk Assessment in Prisons (RRAP) Toolset developed in the R2PRIS project provide intertwining tools dedicated to different roles inside the organisation, resulting in a coordinated response.

Rehabilitation and follow-up after prison is another fundamental component for preventing radicalisation on discussion. Multi-agency cooperation in the prison-exit continuum and involving NGOs and other civil society organisations are important practices also in expansion throughout Europe.

Further projects involving IPS_Innovative Prison Systems, such as WayOut, MIRAD, EUTEx, and R2COM, are building upon this vision, focusing on inter-institutional transition programmes for violent extremist offenders. These projects are creating the foundation for enhanced cooperation between prison and probation administrations, judicial practitioners, and involving NGOs in P/CVE integrated efforts

Together with the knowledge shared in contributions from other European experts, and adapted to the region’s needs, the developed guidelines can foster the current prevention efforts in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia backed up by experience and practices that work.

This meeting was held from November 29^th to December 1^st, 2022, in the scope of project LEICA (Law Enforcement in Central Asia), developed by CIVIPOL (technical cooperation operator of the French Ministry of the Interior) and ISEMI (International Security and Emergency Management Institute), with support from INTERPOL. The event exploring “Dynamic Security, Radicalisation and Prison Intelligence” was organised in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in cooperation with the country’s Department of Execution of Sentences.

To learn more about IPS_Innovative Prison Systems’ work in Radicalisation Prevention, visit the dedicated Portfolio page.