Archibald Reiss Days

SEEKING A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO COMBAT TRANSNATIONAL CRIME: A LOOK AT RESEARCH CARRIED OUT IN THE JEAN MONNET CHAIR EUVALWEB

Teresa Russo — 2025-03-25

Purpose: The Jean Monnet Chair EUVALWEB, which boasts the participation of eminent national and international scholars and practitioners, deals, among other topics, with the former cooperation in justice and home affairs (JHA), focusing on the internal security of the Union, as well as of the neighbouring and future Member States. This paper will deal with the JHA, that is one of the main areas that the accession states have to adapt to, taking on an external and foreign policy dimension of the Union.

Design/Methods/Approach: In particular, the fight against irregular immigration and police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters have assumed a central dimension of the European space in order to safeguard the security needs of the Union, which are also projected outwards and into its neighbourhood. However, trends, which have emerged from our research, have shown a broadening of criminal offences as a result of the impact of European (but also international) law on national legal systems. Anyway, the prosecution approach to serious crimes affects the freedom and justice requirements, ending up being left to the case-by-case assessments of national judges.

Findings:

Therefore, the expansion of the Union’s criminal competence, via the additional harmonization of national criminal laws in the battle against transnational crime, and the establishment of ad hoc bodies and agencies for the coordination, prevention, and prosecution of crimes, actually conflicts with a number of crucial issues, such as the use of data obtained through the European Investigation Order.

Originality/Value: These issues appear to be caused by the lack of a “system” guarantee within the Union’s legal order itself, as well as the absence of European criminal and procedural rules, which inevitably force Member States, national authorities, and lawyers in general to firmly cling to the core values of their respective procedural and constitutional systems.

Keywords: European Investigative Order, EU criminal competence, JHA, judicial and police cooperation, procedural rights.

About the author: Teresa Russo, PhD, is associate professor of European Union Law, Chair Holder of the 2022-2025 Jean Monnet Chair “EU Promoting Public Awareness on Enlargement, EU Values and the Western Balkans’ Accession” (EUVALWEB), Lecturer of EU Values, Integration and Migration Law (DSG Unisa) and of International Law, Cyber Security and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (DISA-MIS Unisa), Founder and Director-in-Chief of the online Journal EUWEB Legal Essays. Global & International Perspectives, Scientific Coordinator of the International Credit Mobility project with Albanian Universities, selected for co-funding by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Programme – Key Action 1 with Partner States since 2018.

COORDINATED RESOLVING OF CROSS-BORDER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AS A DETERMINANT IN THE PROCESS OF FURTHER WESTERN BALKANS INTEGRATION – CASE STUDY: SERBIA AND NORTH MACEDONIA

Marjan Gjurovski — 2025-03-25

Purpose

Purpose of the paper is to reach out how much resolving cross-border crime activities contribute de jure, but primarily de facto regional integration within the Western Balkans. States and political entities within the region are facing similar cross-border criminal activities, including illegal migration, human trafficking, drug routes, illegal weapons trafficking which in a huge manner defines the security mosaic on the field. Authors will try to, through the level of cooperation in resolving above mentioned challenges, asses the contribution in the process of regional integration.

Design/Methods/Approach

Research relies on analysis, where content analysis, functional analysis, comparative analysis and structural-functional analysis will be applied. It is also planned to use synthesis, abstraction, deduction and induction in combination with rational choice techniques. The classification will be used when creating a typology of effective and ineffective state mechanisms in the field observed in the research, in accordance with the previous analysis. At the end, in the conclusions and recommendations chapter will be used prediction, as a method that will enable authors to propose potential mechanisms for further regional integration, based on the necessity of cooperation in resolving cross-border criminal activities.

Findings

Regional integration within Western Balkans, on the case study of bilateral relations between Serbia and North Macedonia, is based on political will. Authors have reached the same findings in the process of resolving cross-border criminal activities. Concretely, if there is clear political will, the cooperation will be concrete and effective. On the other hand, without political interest, de jure cooperation and integration within the resolving cross-border criminal activities field will not be visible on the ground.

Originality/Value

Analyzing the contribution of cooperation in the process of resolving cross-border criminal activities to the regional integration in the context of Western Balkans provides double scientific originality: first, in the theory of regionalism this paper offers explanation of the role of cross-border criminal activities in the contemporary processes of regional cooperation and integration; second, on practical level, it proposes mechanisms for potential intensified cooperation in resolving mentioned crime challenges, released of potential obstacles on political level.

TERRORISM, MONEY LAUNDERING AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: TRENDS AND COUNTERMEASURES

Aleksandar Jazić — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enable an overview of the trends in the European Union that exist in the field of terrorism, money laundering and human trafficking, as well as the activities that the European Union implements in the fight against these problems.

Design/Methods/Approach

The main methods that will be used in the paper are deductive-inductive and analytical methods, which will help in a better understanding of the circumstances that help the development of terrorism, money laundering and human trafficking, and ways to solve them.

Findings

A clear insight into the current situation and circumstances that affect the development of terrorism, money laundering and human trafficking in the European Union, but also in the activities that the European Union implements in order to oppose their strengthening.

Originality/Value

Terrorism, money laundering and human trafficking are important issues that the European Union is dealing with. These problems threaten the stable institutional, political and security functioning of the European Union. The mentioned phenomena and their current level will be analyzed through the circumstances that enable their development and strengthening. Certain prerequisites lead to the emergence of phenomena that are the subject of research, so by observing and eliminating those prerequisites, a safer and more stable environment can be created. The paper will present the activities and measures implemented by the competent authorities of the European Union to combat the strengthening of the mentioned problems. The focus of the action of these authorities is to eliminate the causes that lead to the occurrence of these phenomena and to close the channels that enable the strengthening of terrorism, money laundering and human trafficking.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MENDEZ'S PRINCIPLES IN OFFICIAL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION IN PERSONAM BY REPRESENTATIVES OF STATE AGENCIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Zvonimir Ivanović — 2025-03-25

Purpose: Authors are elaborating on the Mendez principles adopted by UN in 2022 as one of very important worldwide accepted principles in communication with state agencies. Design/Methods/Approach: Authors are presenting principles and their importance in preventing mistreatment of the citizen and enforcement of human rights and freedoms when communicating with state agencies of any kind, with special emphasizing in criminal law enforcement agencies. Principles are depicted in the basic relation to the tackling guaranties promised by state legal system from international prZinciples carved in the UN charter, all international conventions and covenants and in the internal laws and bylaws.

Findings: In the article authors are faced with significant resistance by all actors at the side of state agencies, wich represents the normal resistance to new methods and new techniques which are not existing in the actual practice of law enforcement agencies, but there is a subculture, also, which is resisting the change. Also, there is a citizen hope to get treatment promised by national and international legislation and craving to have existing conditions more convenient to common public and individuals.

Originality/Value: Authors are also challenging non existing overall principles in the communication of state agencies with citizen and providing area to implement principles in Serbian discourse, from theoretical but also from practical point of view. Non-existing principles in the practice but also in the theory provide fertile ground for the seed of Mendez principles to be planted in the Serbian legal system and practice of law enforcement agencies. Both authors are involved in the Cost action 22128 Implemendez project about implementing Mendez principles within countries systems firstly with those that have joined statement of Chili in 2022, but also supported by UN Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), but also Council of Europe Committee for Prevention of Torture or Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) and other countries.

THE PERCEPTION OF THE SCHOOL POLICE OFFICER REGARDING THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER ENTITIES IN THE SCHOOL

Bojan Janković — 2025-03-25

Purpose

A prerequisite for successfully performing the duties of a school police officer is their good collaboration with other entities in the school. The aim of the research is to explore the perception of school police officers regarding the quality of their collaboration with other entities in schools.

Design/Methods/Approach

The survey was conducted from September 2021 to June 2022, and it involved 308 school police officers who expressed their views through a questionnaire.

Findings

School police officers rate their relationships with other entities in the school as very good, indicating that the “School Police Officer” program is well accepted and should be expanded to other schools.

Originality/Value

Such research has not been conducted in the territory of Serbia and neighbouring countries so far.

CERTAIN ASPECTS OF POLICE WORK IN COMBATING IRREGULAR MIGRATION AND PEOPLE SMUGGLING

Saša Marković — 2025-03-25

In the past decade, a new proactive approach has been established in the work of the Serbian police. This approach is based on making strategic decisions founded on detailed crime analysis and threat assessments of severe forms of crime. During this period, two strategic documents were created relating to the assessment of public safety conditions and three documents related to the assessment of threats from serious and organized crime. In all strategic documents, one of the priorities identified is the area of crime related to human smuggling and irregular migrations, which are closely connected to this type of criminal activity. The subject of this paper is the role of the border police in combating cross-border crime and irregular migrations, with a particular focus on one form of cross-border crime: human smuggling. Specifically, human smuggling through the territory of Serbia has become particularly significant since the beginning of armed conflicts in Syria in 2011 and the subsequent displacement of a large number of residents from the war-torn area. Irregular migrants from that and other Asian areas, also affected by armed conflicts, attempt to reach the most economically developed countries of Western Europe via the Western Balkan route with the help of smugglers. In this paper, we will present the strategic and tactical measures taken by the Serbian police to counter this form of crime and provide a statistical analysis of the number of people convicted of human smuggling from 2018 to 2022.

AN INSIGHT INTO THE PERCEPTION, BEHAVIOR AND IMPACT OF DISINFORMATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Krunoslav Antoliš — 2025-03-25

Purpose

This thorough investigation delves into the widespread occurrence of disinformation and the various elements that impact individuals' capacity to identify and counter it. The primary objective of this research is to aid in the formulation of successful tactics and educational initiatives geared towards bolstering media literacy and fostering critical thinking abilities when confronted with disinformation.

Design/Methods/Approach

The design/methods/approach section of the study outlines the methodology employed to investigate the phenomenon of disinformation among 278 participants, predominantly comprising students and employees associated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The study aimed to delve into participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors concerning disinformation, shedding light on their awareness levels and interaction with disinformation across digital platforms. The primary method utilized in this study was the administration of surveys to the participants. Surveys are structured questionnaires designed to gather specific information from respondents in a standardized format. In this case, the surveys likely included questions related to participants' experiences with encountering disinformation, their understanding of what constitutes disinformation, the frequency of their internet usage, and their engagement with social media platforms where disinformation is commonly disseminated. Additionally, correlation analyses were employed as part of the methodology. Correlation analysis is a statistical technique used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between two or more variables. In this study, correlation analyses likely examined the relationship between various factors such as participants' awareness levels of disinformation, their frequency of internet use, and their engagement with social media platforms. This analysis helps identify any patterns or associations between different variables, providing insights into how these factors may influence one another.

Overall, the combination of surveys and correlation analyses allowed the researchers to collect comprehensive data on participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors related to disinformation. By employing these methods, the study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the prevalence and impact of disinformation in the digital age, particularly among individuals associated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Findings

Results indicate that a majority of participants feel informed about the dangers of disinformation, yet there are variations in their confidence in distinguishing fake news. Gender differences were observed, with male participants more likely to use methods to verify information online. Participants who prioritize online privacy and believe in their knowledge about disinformation are more inclined to use verification methods. Furthermore, individuals who perceive a greater impact of disinformation on society and its prevalence in the media are more likely to verify information.

In our study, 278 individuals participated, comprising 63.3% male and 36.7% female participants, with an average age of 29.29 years (standard deviation = 6.36). All the participants were enrolled at the Polytechnic of Criminology and Public Security, with 69.9% pursuing the Professional study of criminology and 30.1% enrolled in the Specialist graduate study. Additionally, 74.8% of the participants were employed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Among the police officers in the sample, who had an average tenure of 6.23 years (standard deviation = 5.37), 23.4% were engaged in basic police work, 18% in criminal work, 15.1% in border duties, 8.6% in traffic-related roles, and 5.1% in the intervention police unit.

Research Limitations/Implications

The study's limitations include a sample bias towards younger participants and the absence of measures related to personality traits and cognitive styles. Future research should incorporate a more diverse age range and explore individual differences to better understand the mechanisms influencing behaviors and beliefs related to disinformation.

Practical Implications

The findings suggest the importance of enhancing media literacy and critical thinking skills, with a focus on privacy concerns and promoting awareness of disinformation's societal impact. Educational resources and courses, such as those available in the Croatian language, offer practical tools for recognizing and combating disinformation.

Originality/Value

This study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of disinformation by exploring various dimensions of this complex phenomenon. By examining individual factors, media literacy, and societal impact, the research provides a comprehensive perspective on the challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age.

Firstly, the study delves into individual factors that influence how people perceive and interact with disinformation. By investigating participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors related to disinformation, the research sheds light on the psychological and cognitive aspects involved. Understanding these individual factors is crucial for devising effective strategies to combat disinformation, as it helps identify potential vulnerabilities and areas for intervention.

Secondly, the study underscores the importance of media literacy in mitigating the effects of disinformation. By assessing participants' awareness levels and engagement with disinformation across digital platforms, the research highlights the role of education in empowering individuals to critically evaluate information sources and discern fact from fiction. This emphasis on media literacy aligns with broader efforts to promote digital literacy and critical thinking skills in an increasingly interconnected world.

Lastly, the study examines the societal impact of disinformation, emphasizing its implications for public trust, democratic processes, and social cohesion. By uncovering the prevalence and impact of disinformation among participants, the research underscores the need for collective action to address this growing threat. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to develop targeted interventions and educational initiatives aimed at combating disinformation and fostering a more informed and resilient society.

This study contributes to a multifaceted understanding of disinformation by exploring individual factors, media literacy, and societal impact. By highlighting the need for tailored educational initiatives and collective action, the research offers valuable guidance for stakeholders seeking to address the challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age.

EXTORTION OF STATEMENT BY POLICE – RESPECTING THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT

Katarina Živanović — 2025-03-25

The right to remain silent under police questioning and the privilege against self-incrimination are generally recognised international standards which lie at the heart of the notion of a fair procedure and represents a fundamental assumption of respect for basic human rights. In addition to the proclamation of the right to mental and physical integrity as well as the right to human dignity, the conducting of the aforementioned international standards in the domestic legal system is ensured by the provision of extortion of statement as a criminal offense which can be committed by an official in the conducting of his duties. In accordance with the aforementioned importance of the right to remain silent and the privilege against self-incrimination, it is very important to point out the possibility of their violation. Bearing in mind the nature of the work and the specificity of the tasks of the internal affairs bodies, i.e. the police, it is clear that the police daily faces the danger of the possibility of violating the proclaimed human rights and freedoms. Beside normative analysis of relevant legal acts, theoretical analysis of professional and scientific papers by prominent domestic and foreign authors, European Court of Human Rights and Constitutional Court of the Republic of Serbia decision analysis, analysis of the Internal Affairs Sector Report of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia was also conducted. In this sence, representation of criminal charges filed against police officers and other officials, in the Republic of Serbia, for committing the criminal offense of extortion of statement as well as abuse and torture was established.

TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS CONTROLING DANGEROUS GOODS TRANSPORT

Dejan Đurđević — 2025-03-25

Abstract

The rapid development of science and the adoption of new technologies in the industrial sector have led to the emergence of previously unknown materials. While these materials offer positive attributes, they also harbor hidden dangers for human health, life, and work environments. The necessity of preventive action through continuous monitoring and control of participants in the hazardous goods transportation process, spanning from production facilities to their reaching end users, requires readiness on all levels of government administration. To achieve the stated goal, within the framework of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the government administration ensures adequate training for police officers responsible for supervising participants in road traffic engaged in the transportation of dangerous goods.

The training equips officers with essential knowledge, specific skills, and the right attitudes to effectively oversee this critical aspect of public safety. After completing the training, participants are equipped to apply their acquired knowledge about hazardous goods. They have thoroughly mastered the regulatory framework for hazardous materials transportation and can recognize the risks associated with such transport. Additionally, they are proficient in implementing safety measures and responding appropriately in case of incidents during dangerous goods transportation.

Design/Methods/Approach

Drawing upon decades of experience in developing training programs for law enforcement personnel, including response protocols for hazardous materials incidents, the authors have analyzed the content of the Training Program for Supervising Road Traffic Participants Involved in Hazardous Goods Transportation (Program No. 6136/20, dated September 19, 2020). Also, they examine the Handbook for Trainees in the same field, collaboratively developed by the National Emergency Management Training Center, Fire and Rescue Directory, i.e. Traffic Police Directory.

Findings

The study underscores the significance of comprehensive training and the necessity to prepare a substantial number of police officers to handle dangerous goods control effectively. Furthermore, the existing approach to expanding knowledge, skills, and attitudes among law enforcement officers in the field of dangerous material transportation represents a tailwind in boosting our safety capacity in contoling the dangerous goods transportation system.

Originality/Value

Its originality lies in the practical implementation of training programs under real-world conditions, ensuring a safer environment for all participants—both those directly involved in transporting hazardous goods and the officers responsible for its oversight, since these officers represent the first line of defense in dangerous goods emergency response.

Key words: training, hazardous goods, supervision, traffic police.

About the authors

The authors of this paper are: Police Colonel Dejan Đurđević, Inspector General for Business Process Improvement and Coordination in the Lines of Work II at the Police Training Directorate, Logistics Sector, Ministry of Internal Affairs. Specialist in property and personal protection - protection against chemical, biological and radiological hazards. With 24 years of experience in the development and organization of the realization of professional training in the field of protection and rescue, creator of curricula and training programs for fire-rescue units and traffic police in the field of working with dangerous substances;

Police Colonel Slaviša Lakićević, Head of the Traffic Police Administration and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport;

Police Colonel Sergej Uljanov, Chief Inspector for Business Process Improvement and Coordination in the Lines of Work II at the Traffic Police Directorate and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport; Supervisor of specialized training for traffic police officers overseeing participants in road traffic engaged in hazardous materials transport

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ivica Stanković, Head of the Traffic Control and Regulation at the Traffic Police Department and Safety Consultant for Hazardous Materials Transport.

THE ROLE OF OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE CLUBS IN ORGANIZED CRIMEWITH AN EMPHASIS ON MOTORCYCLE CLUBS IN THE NORDIC COUNTRIES

Olgica Vulević — 2025-03-25

Purpose: Outlaw motorcycle clubs are a specific type of organized criminal group known for their striking aesthetics and loyalty to the club, but also for their connection to various forms of criminal activity. Although many motorcycle clubs are dedicated to riding motorcycles for love and have a communal lifestyle, there are also those that operate as illegal organizations, participating in a range of criminal activities, from illegal drug trafficking, prostitution, violent crime, money laundering and racketeering. Outlaw motorcycle clubs are a priority issue in the world when it comes to serious crimes, in addition to cybercrime and illicit drug trafficking.

Lower-ranking members see the leadership of higher-ranking members in criminal enterprises as legitimate, and such criminal acts are interpreted as "club business". In recent years, many European countries have taken far-reaching measures to combat the criminal activities of motorcycle gangs. However, empirical investigations of those crimes involving outlaw motorcycle clubs are widely lacking. While outlaw motorcycle clubs are overrepresented in criminal enterprises where their activities contribute to social and economic harm, the precise involvement of the clubs themselves in these illegal activities is still unclear and under-analyzed.

This scientific work aims to investigate the phenomenon of motorcycle gangs in the context of organized crime, examining their structures, models of action, as well as the social and legal challenges they present. The paper will look at the history of outlaw motorcycle clubs, the evolution of their activities and the role they play in the broader framework of organized crime. It will also analyze the various legal and police approaches that have been used to combat this phenomenon, as well as the implications for public safety and society as a whole. The paper will also review the most famous American outlaw motorcycle clubs, such as the Hells Angels, etc.

Coordinates and methods in which this work will be carried out: What are the criminal acts most often committed by members of motorcycle clubs? What is their role in organized criminal groups? What are their characteristics? Historical method, analysis method, comparative method, comparative method, modeling method will be used in the work.

Result: Outlaw motorcycle clubs represent a significant threat in the fight against organized crime. The result of this scientific work shows the complex and multi-layered nature of motorcycle gangs as a form of organized crime. Research has revealed that motorcycle gangs have a strictly hierarchical structure with a strong sense of loyalty to the club and its members. This structure enables effective coordination and implementation of illegal activities, which makes them resistant to external pressures and makes law enforcement more difficult. Data collected indicate that motorcycle gangs often operate as closed communities, making information gathering and infiltration difficult. Their penchant for violence and intimidation further complicates efforts to curb their criminal activities.

Value: Through case analysis and the use of available literature, this paper will offer insight into how motorcycle gangs operate and what are the key characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of organized crime. Finally, recommendations for future policies and strategies that can help reduce the impact and spread of criminal activities associated with motorcycle gangs will be discussed. This work will also provide a good starting point for future research on motorcycle gangs as the topic is current and unexplored globally.

THE SOCIAL CLIMATE OF THE CLOSED PRISON IN ZENICA IN THE PERIOD FROM 1993 TO 2016: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY

Alisabri Šabani — 2025-03-25

The social climate of the closed prison in Zenica in the period from 1993 to 2016: a longitudinal study

Šabani Alisabri

Faculty of Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina asabani@fkn.unsa.ba

Purpose

The social climate of prisons is considered to be an important scientific interest (Moos, 1974; Ilijić, 2021) because it reveals latent relationships, processes and events within the prison community. The universe of variables of the social climate of prisons is stratified, and the most frequent events - variables are, from a view of prisoners, repression, disorganization, prison code and deprivation.

Design / Methods / Approach

As the basic instrument, we used the revised and adapted CIES (Correctional Institutions Environment Scale Manual) created by Moos (Moos, 1974) for different types of prisons. The survey technique proved to be the most appropriate, and the instrument contained 39 items in a Likert format. The samples of the interviewed prisoners were representative in relation to the statistical group of prisoners serving their sentences.

Findings

The paper analyses the results of testing of the social climate of the closed prison in Zenica in 1993, 1994, 1997 and 2016, which satisfies the requirement for longitudinality. We found that the values of the social climate subdimensions vary between the war period (1993 and 1994) and the post-war period (1997). As a comparative criterion, we took the measurement of the social climate from the 2016 period. The subdimensions of repression and deprivation proved to be the most stable and pointed to the fact that these are structural features of closed prisons, regardless of the environmental conditions (war or peace).

Originality / Value

The originality of the work is reflected in the fact that the social climate of a closed prison was measured in the samples of the mentioned periods, and that the findings can be used for comparative research conducted in other prisons. Research of this type can help to be used for more humane functioning of prisons, especially in terms of managing security risks in prisons, creating re-educational treatments and reducing recidivism.

Key words: prison, repression, disorganization, deprivations, prison code

About the Author

Full professor of the Sociology, Social Pathology, Sociology of Prison Community courses.

INTERNET RADICALIZATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SPREADING RADICAL IDEAS AND MATERIALS ON THE DARK WEB

Marjan Nikolovski — 2025-03-25

INTERNET RADICALIZATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SPREADING RADICAL IDEAS AND MATERIALS ON THE DARK WEB

Professor Marjan Nikolovski , PhD

University „St. Kliment Ohridski “Bitola, Faculty of security – Skopje

Davor Arsic, MSc

University „St. Kliment Ohridski “Bitola, Faculty of security - Skopje

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential danger arising from internet radicalization and the wide space of the deep internet which is not controlled and offers opportunities for extremist groups to draw materials related to radicalistic ideologies. Internet radicalization is one of the types of hybrid threats that is not institutionally sufficiently controlled. Technological development in the last few decades has been in constant growth. Society cannot be imagined to function normally without the use of special tools and programs on the Internet. The Internet brings the world together, but only virtually. Various social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. enable quick and easy communication with people who are on the other side of the planet. With that, information spreads rapidly and easily, because the rate of internet users is enormous. Extremist groups use these networks pretty well, especially for their purposes related to the recruitment and training of fighters, so that they can then go to various battlefields in the Middle East and in recent years in Ukraine. The paper aims to make a normative analysis of the existing laws, by-laws for the prevention and inhibition of this type of hybrid threats. Analysis of existing reports and comparative analysis with legal solutions in the Republic of North Macedonia with the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Design / methodology / approach

The paper will be systematized in the following order: Analysis of international acts and documents brought by relevant institutions of the European Union, which are in the direction of preventing internet radicalization as a type of hybrid threat. Comparison of domestic legal regulations with the legal regulations of neighboring countries. Defining terms for internet (online) radicalization, danger of internet radicalization, which are socially vulnerable groups that can be subject to this kind of threat. As a case study - ISIS who annually recruited over 30,000 members using internet tools. Comparative analysis and comments on the existing legal solutions in the Republic of North Macedonia and the efficiency of the application of the legal provisions in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Findings: The danger arising from internet radicalization represents a security threat both for the Republic of North Macedonia and for the entire Western Balkans. The surface internet and especially the "deep internet" is a suitable ground for the spread of radical ideas, another type of hybrid threats, fake news, disinformation and the spread of hate speech that has become a part of our everyday life. The Western Balkans is still a vulnerable area. Fear is rising that online recruitment by extremist groups could result in foreign fighters joining Russia's invasion of Ukraine, following the Ukrainian president's public call that all foreign fighters are welcome in Ukraine. Analysis of documents from Eurostat according to their statistics since 1998 when there were only 12 websites related to terrorism and violent extremism, an increase of 6940 websites with such extreme material was recorded, and Eurostat statistics show that in 2014 there is an increase of up to 80% of such websites whose main content is extremist ideologies and terrorism as phenomena.

Originality / Value:

The paper is original, founded on the basis of own efforts and theoretical insights into the problem of internet radicalization to which the competent authorities, the legislator, perhaps even the state itself, pay the least attention. Also, analysis of documents, internet searches, analysis of secondary data searched on Eurostat for this type of security threat. Internet extremism in the Western Balkans is strongly related to the demographics of the population and the history of the region. Extremist ideologies do not have influence on one country only, but many. Extremist ideologies that prevail in the Western Balkans have loyal internet users who are limited in political and ideological terms and are easy targets for action. Such regionalized extremist narratives are closely related to the history and longstanding inter-ethnic conflict in the region.

Keywords: internet radicalization, extremism, deep web, foreign fighters, security threats.

TRENDS OF CHANGES AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES AT THE ENTRANCE EXAM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND POLICE STUDIES

Danijela Spasić — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The entrance exam for the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies (UCIPS) concludes the selection process, evaluating candidates through High School Success (HSS), the Serbian Language Test (SLT), General Knowledge Test (GKT), and Basic Physical Abilities Test (BPA). The aim of this research is to determine gender-based differences in all segments of the entrance exam. Additionally, trends in HSS, SLT, GKT, and BPA over four years have been analyzed, along with a comparison of results across different generations.

Design/Methods/Approach

The sample was composed of candidates who took the entrance exam from 2018 to 2021 and were granted admission. Out of a total of 1339 candidates (551 females and 788 males), 308 students (120 females and 188 males) were enrolled, whose results were analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Analysis began with descriptive statistics and continued with an independent t-test to assess gender differences, while MANOVA was used to evaluate generational success. Additionally, a trend analysis was conducted over the four-year period. In all analyses, statistical significance was set at p < 0.005.

Findings

Significant gender differences were identified BMA in favor of males across all generations, while females achieved better results on SLT in 2019/20 and HSS in 2018/19. Other segments showed no significant differences. Further analysis revealed improvements in most performances from 2018 to 2020, after which the scores stabilized in 2020 and 2021. This may be attributed to a more stringent selection process, with a higher ratio of candidates competing for fewer available spots, namely a lower percentage of applicants being enrolled.

Originality/Value

This research provides insights into trends and gender-based differences within the selection process, which can contribute to the improvement of both the selection system and gender equality. Additionally, the analysis of results indicates an improvement in the knowledge and abilities of candidates over the observed selection period at UCIPS, which could positively impact the efficiency of their studies.

Keywords: gender-based differences, entrance exam, selection process, trend analysis, the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies

About the author

Danijela Spasic is an associate professor at the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade, at the Department of Police Sciences. She completed her master's and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Security, where she defended her doctoral dissertation entitled The Concept of Community Policing and Domestic Violence. She is a member of the American Society of Criminology - Division of Policing (from 2019 until today). Narrow area of research interests: position and role of women in the security sector, women's human rights and the principles of gender equality, security and victimological aspects of gender-based violence, human security, policing.

Radivoje Janković, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor at the UCIPS, Department of Specialized Physical Education. He completed both his MSc and PhD at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Belgrade. His research spans a wide range of topics within sports science and police training. This includes exploring the dynamics between intellectual capacities, personality development, and physical fitness, assessing their impact on professional and academic performance in law enforcement settings. The scope of his studies broadly investigates physical fitness, preparatory training efficacy, and the development of competencies in police education.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES REGARDING FEAR OF CRIME

Natasha Peovska — 2025-03-25

The fear of crime as a complex phenomenon has been actualized in the last few decades within the framework of criminological and victimological research, primarily because of the numerous consequences that can occur on an individual and social level for people. In the literature there are certain theoretical explanations of the fear of crime among individuals. The most common theoretical concepts for explaining the fear of crime such as the concept of vulnerability, the victimological concept, the social control and the ecological concept belong to the socio -demographic model of explaining the fear of crime. But the socio -psychological model is also found and tested in the literature based on the model of Van der Wurff et al. (1989). Another significant issue regarding the fear of crime are the methodological dilemmas regarding its operationalization. There are many questions regarding the validity and reliability of measuring fear of crime, especially regarding the instruments and questions used to measure it, which are elaborated within the paper.

ACTIVELY LISTENING TO REISS

Jovan Božović — 2025-03-25

ACTIVELY LISTENING TO REISS
Jovan Božović
The Agency for Prevention of Corruption

Purpose
To use the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the book to reconsider the warnings to Serbs regarding corruption and offer new ideas for improving the prevention of corruption.
Design/Methods/Approach
Normative-legal, sociological and data analysis methods.
Findings
Hearing and listening are not the same. While most people can hear, far fewer actively listen. Serbs are no different from any other people in this respect, as we will verify through the case of Reiss's appeal to the Serbs.
Archibald Reiss completed the manuscript of his book "Listen Serbs!" in French on June 1, 1928. Considering the context, we will try to answer the questions of whether Reiss kept something and someone silent, or if the skillful hand of an experienced criminalist left us clues to prevent high corruption in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, and what the alternative history of the Kingdom and the Serbs would have been if his book had been published in 1928.
Given that Reiss's book was printed in Serbian for the first time in 2004 and distributed free of charge, we will try to summarize what Serbia, listening to Reiss, has done in the field of preventing corruption in the past twenty years. During this period, Serbia ratified the UNCAC in 2005 and then built a normative and institutional framework for preventing corruption by passing key laws and establishing independent bodies and the Anti-Corruption Agency, which since 2010 has played a central role in the prevention of corruption in Serbia.
As we await the year 2028 and the centenary of the completion of Reiss's book, we will offer ideas on how, in that period, actively listening to Reiss, we can improve the prevention of corruption. This will be based on the assessment of the risk of corruption in regulations, efficient prevention of conflicts of interest, effective control of the assets of public officials, and anti-corruption education for young people.
Keywords: Reiss, Serbia, corruption, state/public functions, corruption proofing of legislation, anti-corruption education
About the author
Acting assistant director - Sector for Legal Affairs and Lobbying.

THE APPLICABILITY OF THE RULES ON INTERNATIONAL CRIMES IN OUTER SPACE

Pablo Antonio Fernandez Sanchez — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The objective of this reflection is the analysis of the applicability of the rules on international crimes in outer space. It must be taken into account that, in principle, international standards, even in their complexity, are designed to be applicable by States, in their territorial spaces or, taking into account different variables, to their citizens in spaces outside the jurisdiction of the State. However, nothing prevents them from being applicable in the future, as long as their applicability can be verified.

Design/Methods/Approach

In order to structure the purpose of this work, a systemic method would have to be used, which allows all possible applicable standards to be framed. To do this, we must start from the considerations of general International Law, including the scope of application ratione materiae, ratione personae, ratione loci and ratione temporis. Interconnected with general international law, the contractual obligations of States should be considered, including special norms, such as the Law of Treaties, the Law of the Sea, Human Rights, International Criminal Law, European Law, etc. Likewise, the principles of extraterritoriality, extraterritorial application of rules, universal jurisdiction, etc. must be taken into account, in addition to national rules, depending on each case.

Findings

There is a false belief that outer space is governed by existing conventional rules and that, therefore, binds each State, depending on the obligations undertaken.

However, now that the true conquest of space has begun, with an enormity of resources and uses, which may be contrary to the norms that protect the attribution and criminal liability of international crimes, it is when the set of regulations needs to be articulated. relevant to approaching these issues. Current scientific evidence and the lack of specific regulation require a more detailed treatment of these issues.

Originality/Value

Outer space has only been studied throughout history as a claim in its territorial conquest. Issues that go beyond these territorial claims or even the use for resource extraction or the use to obtain energy sources or the use of space for armed conflicts have not been addressed.

An all-encompassing and particularized approach is required on issues that have to do with attribution or criminal liability for the commission, persecution and prosecution of international crimes, especially for crimes of aggression (both state and individual), genocide (both state and individual), crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Keywords: applicability of international rules, outer space, international crimes.

PREPARING HUNGARIAN POLICE CADETS TO DEAL WITH UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS AND LEAD OPERATIONS

Gabor Kovacs — 2025-03-25

PREPARING HUNGARIAN POLICE cadets to deal with unexpected situations and lead operations

Gabor Kovacs

University of Public Service

Hungary, Budapest

kovacs.gabor@uni-nke.hu

Purpose

An important part of the professional training of Hungarian police cadets is the acquisition of practical skills. The knowledge acquired during theoretical training must be applied in practice.

Preparation for the annual “Common public service exercise” is an important milestone in the training.The study will present the whole didactic process, from good practice to experience. Design/Methods/Approach

Thorough planning precedes preparation for common public service exercises. Well prepared background materials ensure thorough preparation and successful implementation of the exercise. This process is describe in the paper. Relevant literature will be included in the study. The methodology will ensure that each workflow is precisely defined and the process is presented.

The approach to the topic is theoretical and also more practical, so that the reader can gain useful experience based on good practices.

Findings

The study conveys useful methods and findings, good practices for law enforcement professionals. The findings of the study are based on the processing of the relevant literature and the experience of good practices. These methods are highly adaptable to all types of management work.

Originality/Value

The topic has not been processed before, there is not significant literature on managerial work. The author discusses the topic in a new approach. The conclusions drawn from the processing of the topic the content of the essay can be effectively used in everyday police cadet education practice.

Keywords: police education, common exercise, preparation process, good education practice,

About the author: Gábor Kovács, PhD, police major general, Dean, professor and head of department, Ludovika University of Public Service, Faculty of Law Enforcement, Department of Management Science, e-mail: kovacs.gabor@uni-nke.hu

CORRUPTION AND MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Svetlana Nikoloska — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is tо analyze the emerging forms of corruption in the Republic of North Macedonia through specific corrupt crimes and the risk of connection with money laundering. In the Macedonian criminal code, several corrupt crimes are incriminated, and since the motive for their execution is the acquisition of illegal property benefit, an analysis is made for the most common connection with money laundering, that is, the money that was acquired through corruption is shown as legally acquired money. A period of 9 years from 2014 to 2022 is being researched to obtain indicators of the most frequently committed corrupt crimes, as well as the volume, structure, and dynamics of reported, accused, and convicted perpetrators. Then an analysis is made of the situation with money laundering, i.e. for which corrupt crimes the criminal investigation is most often extended, criminal proceedings are also conducted for money laundering. The research also analyzes the type and amount of confiscated financial assets that originated from corrupt crimes and went through the money laundering process.

Design/Methods/Approach

The paper is systematized from several units, namely the analysis of corrupt crimes according to the Macedonian penal legislation, normative analysis of money laundering as a separate crime, presentation of the research methodology and data provision, their systematization and comparative analysis for the researched period, drawing conclusions and display of references.

Findings

Corruption and money laundering are social phenomena that negatively affect democracy and the rule of law, especially in societies in transition, but are not uncommon in highly developed democracies. Corruption is a criminal phenomenon that manifests itself through several public forms and forms of execution, it is criminalized in several crimes against official duty, from abuse of official duty and powers, receiving and giving bribes, embezzlement and serving in the service, falsification of official documentation to illegal acquisition and concealment of property. These are serious crimes that cause serious financial implications where the damage is inflicted on the state budget, and the benefit gained is for personal or family enrichment that is not possible to acquire legally. It is in this direction that the research is aimed at obtaining knowledge about the most frequently committed corrupt crimes in the Republic of North Macedonia and whether the investigators took measures and actions to provide evidence of the type and amount of the acquired illegal property benefit, whether the financial resources passed the process of money laundering and whether it has been detected, secured and confiscated and to what extent.

Originality/Value

The paper is original, and it shows a theoretical analysis of corrupt crimes, an analysis of the risk of connection with money laundering, as well as presented and analyzed data from the conducted research for the researched period with the application of research methods and techniques.

FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES IN NORTH MACEDONIA

Marina Malish Sazdovska — 2025-03-25

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental crimes are listed high on the agendas on international organizations like Interpol, Europol, United nations etc. Environmental crime is one of the EU’s priorities in the fight against serious and organized crime as part of EMPACT 2022-2025.

According to Europol, environmental crime covers the gamut of activities that breach environmental legislation and cause significant harm or risk to the environment, human health, or both. National police and international organizations must take activities to combat this type of crime. But this criminal investigation is very specific because environmental crimes have some serious consequences, and there is a special methodology for preventing and proving these crimes. During the criminal investigation, investigators must take different operational-tactical measures, investigative actions, specific expertise during the crime scene investigation etc.

Financial investigations are а part of the criminal investigations and law enforcement agencies must take activities within their competences.

Design/Methods/Approach

For preparing the paper authors use content analysis methods. Thay analyzed the data published by authorities, such us Police, Financial police, Agency for financial intelligence and others. Also, data was analyzed from annual reports and another official documents.

Findings

Criminal investigation of environmental crimes is on the margins of law enforcement agencies and their activity for combating this type of crime in North Macedonia. Authorities have some activities but that is not enough for successful investigations. There is a need for better and more successful criminal investigations in the country, including better interinstitutional cooperation during financial investigations.

Originality/Value

The paper presents conclusions about this very important topic and proposes measures for more successful results from the criminal investigations of environmental crime in North Macedonia.

Keywords: environmental crimes, financial investigations etc.

THE AGE RULES OF CRIMINAL DISCRETION IN HUNGARIAN AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: ARGUMENTS AND COUNTERARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF EVER-DECREASING AGE LIMITS

Vári Vince — 2025-03-25

Purpose: Over time, juveniles have always occupied a place of particular importance in the criminal justice system and other areas of life. It is no coincidence since this is the age group that will later become full citizens and influence the development of a country with their lifestyle and the teaching of their children. In our research, we covered the situation of this age group in criminal law and criminal proceedings, mainly the issue of the age of criminality and the ability to judge, just as the goal was also to obtain an answer to the complex aspects of dealing with the complex social problem inherent in juvenile delinquency through the derivation of the development of discretion, its domestic and international regulation, and the examination of the age of criminality.
Methods: During the processing of the topic of the study, we primarily approached the subject from a criminological point of view. In the process, we processed the domestic and international literature. We reviewed its legal regulations, their reasons, and their background. We used and analyzed national and international statistical data to prove our hypothesis. In addition to the presentation and processing of Hungarian legislation, we also looked at international law. After that, we emphasized the Serbian legal regulation and the circumstances that led to and justified the development of the current regulatory environment. As an applied method, in addition to the formal logical one, we followed the analytical, comparative systematic, and legal analytical procedures.
Findings: During the research, we concluded that the criminal law and criminal procedure law regulations for juveniles in Hungary are modern and developed. However, it must be improved based on many international and national examples to be used efficiently. Essential steps must be taken to stop or slow the increase in juvenile offenders. For this, however, it is not enough to reform the age regulation of criminal prosecution, significantly lowering the age limits. A comprehensive judicial reform would be necessary, where all the pedagogical and educational tools - currently scattered - found with civil and state actors, with which the goals of unique prevention related to juveniles can be enforced more effectively, should be institutionalized. Together with them, we can uncover the typical causes of the crimes and scientifically analyze the processes leading to them. Competent and dedicated professionals should follow the lifestyle and integration of the juvenile over a more extended period, providing them with appropriate help and support in challenging life situations.
Value: This paper will contribute to elaborating this problem from the criminal law and criminological aspects and improve the practice of courts, prosecutors, lawyers, and the police in this area. It will also help improve decision-makers work with a more scientific approach to the problem and reveal the dark sides of populist penal policy.
Keywords: discretion in criminal law, criminal procedure for juveniles, criminal capacity, juvenile offender, crime prevention

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE MEASURES

Sasho Stojanovski — 2025-03-25

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE MEASURES

Purpose

The International community recognizes crime as a phenomenon that still represents a serious safety issue, a serious threat and danger to the countries and the international community. The harmful consequences that it causes is becoming a reason and necessity for continuous undertaking and improving the measures and activities for its prevention and suppression. It is a fact that certain institutions and instruments, are acting and are practiced only at regional level, and that, there are still countries in which they still are not incorporated into their legislations. For these reasons, the purpose of the paper is to point out the positive effects of the use and their practice and acceptance in all countries, i.e. their full internationalization.

Design/Methods/Approach

The main goal of the paper will be realized by analysing the content of the provisions of the conventions and protocols that sets up the foundations for international police and judiciary cooperation, institutions such as: Interpol, Europol, Frontex, Eurojust, European Judicial Network and instruments - Red notice, European Arrest Warrant, Fugitive Active Search Teams, European Network of Fugitive Active Search Teams, Special Investigative Measures, with which the cooperation is accomplished. Each institution and instrument will be individually elaborated in the context of international cooperation, after which appropriate conclusions will be drawn for their efficiency in the fight against crime.

Findings

International cooperation in dealing with crime foresees and is conducted in accordance with international Conventions, Protocols and other legal acts. They offer the opportunity to conduct an effective and successful fight against crime. However, the emergence of new forms and ways of committing crime, impose the need for constant developing of cooperation, promotion, discovering and developing new forms of cooperation.

Originality/Value

Bearing in mind the fact that the undertaking of measures and activities in deal with crime only at the national or regional level does not give the expected results, the author considers that the internationalization of the institutions and instruments of international cooperation in dealing with crime is becoming a necessity. Only by practicing the same methods of action globally, a greater efficiency can be expected.

Keywords: crime, international cooperation, international institutions, international instruments,

About the author

SaSho M. Stojanovski, Ph.D, from Skopje, employed at the Ministry of interior since 1998. Presently work as an investigator in the investigative center with in the Public Prosecutor office in Skopje. Contact details, mail: smstojanovski@yahoo.com, mobile +389 70 840840.

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE OFFENCE OF MASS DISORDER AND THE OFFENCE OF HOOLIGANISM

Ana-Maria Chepestru — 2025-03-25

The crime of mass disorder, at first sight, can be confused with the crime of hooliganism, given the social values that are threatened by committing the criminal act. In this regard, it is appropriate to carry out a comprehensive analysis with reference to the delimitation of the offences in question or, identifying the similarities and differences between the two offences is essential to ensure. In the Republic of Moldova, the number of violations against public security and public order is increasing, based on a wide range of causes. Respecting this social value plays a fundamental role in a democratic state. The comparisons identified and described between the offence of mass disorder and the offence of hooliganism are of major importance in the legal framing of the examined offences.

PROSECUTION OF HATE CRIME AND HATE SPEECH IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Marija Lučić-Ćatić — 2025-03-25

Purpose:

Given the fact that existing legal provisions in B&H can lead to inadequate responses on the occurrences of hate speech and hate crime we conducted research of approaches of B&H's judiciary in solving those crimes through critical analyzes of existing case law in all four jurisdictions in B&H from 2012. to 2022. with absolute sample of hate crime and hate speech court cases.Analysis was conducted by using the six elements test - the Article 19 aiming to establish threshold of criminal liability on a case-by-case basis.

Findings: After an in-depth analysis of 47 court case in a ten-year period (where 8 were classified as hate crime and 39 as incitements to hatred) the authors came to the conclusion that approximately 77% of all cases indicted for incitement to hatred do not reach a necessary threshold. This very high percent of incorrectly qualified cases leads us to the conclusion that most of the practitioners (prosecutors, lawyers, and judges) do not understand the very concept of hate crime and hate speech.

Originality/Value:

Misapplication of the provision of incitement to hatred for prosecuting cases of a hate speech that does not represent incitement to hatred or that are a hate crime cases, raise the question of legal security and ability of professionals to recognize, identify and react on a true case of the incitement to hatred. Adequate legal and social response to hate speech and hate crime has wide repercussions on the entire B&H's society and therefore the state must respond to those harmful behaviours in a legally correct manner. Therefore, based on the results of conducted research and identified problems the authors created recommendations that can lead to overcoming the identified issues.

CRIMINAL OFFENCES AGAINST THE ECONOMY IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA 2018-2023

Radmila Trklja — 2025-03-25

Economic crime is one of the most expensive types of criminal activities. There are many
reasons why it is impossible to estimate the total cost of economic crime. Regardless, the overall
impact of economic crime on the economic security of a country is huge, causing damage first of
all to the state, then to various entities, as well as to businessmen. The paper aims to
point out the negative impact of this type of crime on the economic security of Serbia

MISDEMEANOR LAW PROTECTION OF PUBLIC ORDER: STATE AND TRENDS IN SERBIA

Branko Leštanin — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The protection of public order (and peace) in Serbia is the subject of several legal regulations, but the Public Order and Peace Act is systemic in this area. From the very beginning of the creation of Serbian statehood, there was a need to protect public order in order to achieve a harmonized system in the realization of human rights and freedoms. The aim of this paper is to explore the protection of public order in misdemeanor legal, comparative, theoretical and empirical terms. The paper should explore how the incrimination of certain human behaviors that threatened public order went, but also the decriminalization of such behaviors depending on social development, moral values, etc. In this way, the authors believe that a comprehensive perception of public order in Serbia would be obtained. The authors place their research in the spatial context related to the territory of the Republic of Serbia and in the time frame for the period 2018-2023. This period was chosen as the beginning of the research time frame after the implementation of the new Public Order and Peace Law.

Design/Methods/Approach

The authors use normative method to analyze the norms of the laws. The authors will present and analyze statistical data and numbers related to the state and trends of public order protection from the point of misdemeanor law. For these purposes, the authors use data from the Ministry of Interior of Republic of Serbia for the period 2018-2023. Data from the Statistical Office of Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro related to the number of inhabitants were also used. Comparative method will be used for exploring the public order norms in some other states.

Findings

Throughout history, the process of incrimination and decriminalization of certain human behaviors, which for that period were understood as a threat to public order, can be observed. This especially applies to, for example, insulting a police officer. The norms governing these behaviors used to be scattered in various regulations, but more recently they have been codified in a systemic law regulating public order (and peace). The authors hypothesize that the state and trend of public order in Serbia after the amended legal text is relatively stable, that nominally the largest number of violations were committed in Belgrade (but this will be explored using the rate of misdemeanor), that the most frequent violations are related to quarrels and making noise, but there is a significant share of fights and provocations to fight but also that insulting a police officer is a significant part as new misdemeanor.

Originality/Value

The issue of public order has been poorly explored globally and both in Serbia and in the neighborhood. With this paper, the authors want to contribute to a better understanding of this issue by looking at all aspects through the prism of misdemeanor law. In this way, the law enforcement (police) will be able to come up with new preventive mechanisms in the coming period if this issue were to be reduced to the smallest possible extent in Serbia.

CLASSIFIED DATA AND CRIMINAL LAW – A NEED FOR CERTAIN CHANGES?

Jovana Banović — 2025-03-25

The offense outlined in Article 98 of the Data Secrecy Law, which concerns the disclosure of classified data; the criminal offense of Disclosing a State Secret under Article 316 of the Criminal Code; and the offenses under Articles 369 and 415 of the Criminal Code, which protect official and military secrets respectively, along with the aggravated forms prescribed in Articles 321 and 417 of the Criminal Code, together constitute a significant normative framework for safeguarding confidentiality against the most serious breaches. However, these analyses reveal inconsistencies within the domestic legal system, most notably in the realm of prescribed sanctions, where different penalty ranges are applied to substantially similar criminal offenses. Additionally, there are shortcomings in certain methods of perpetration. Broadly speaking, our legal system delineates two regimes of classified data protection: one before, and one after, the enactment of the Data Secrecy Law in 2009. In addition to the aforementioned offenses, the Unauthorized Disclosure of Secrets under Article 141 of the Criminal Code and the Violation of Confidentiality of Proceedings under Article 337 further strengthen the protection of confidentiality. These offenses protect different categories of legal interests, such as the rights and freedoms of man and citizen or the judiciary, thereby allowing for 'judicial creativity' in applying various legal doctrines to petty crimes.

JURISDICTIONAL CHALLENGES OF CYBERCRIMES AND THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

Naeem Allah Rakha — 2025-03-25

Purpose
The International Criminal Court's (ICC) Prosecutor's recent announcement,
considering the investigation of cybercrimes that violate the Rome Statute, highlights
the growing relevance and jurisdictional challenges posed by cybercrime offenses in
the digital age. The Rome Statute sets out the crimes falling within the jurisdiction of
the ICC, the rules of procedure, and the mechanisms for states to cooperate with the
ICC. It established four core international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity,
war crimes, and the crime of aggression. While the Rome Statute does not explicitly
mention cybercrime, such crimes may meet the elements of core international crimes
already defined. This research aims to critically examine the jurisdictional challenges
faced by the ICC in prosecuting cybercrimes under its mandate, focusing on the
gravity issues. The study explores the ICC's potential role in addressing cybercrime
offenses, considering the growing relevance and complexities posed by these crimes
in the digital age, and the absence of explicit provisions in the Rome Statute.
Methodology
This qualitative research aims to examine the jurisdictional challenges of
prosecuting cybercrimes under the ICC's mandate and explore the Court's potential
role in addressing cybercrimes offenses. Employing a comprehensive doctrinal
research approach and grounded theory analysis, the study will review Rome Statute,
relevant international legal frameworks, case studies, and expert opinions to identify
the challenges, such as variations in national cybercrime laws, differences in the rules
of evidence and criminal procedure, evidence collection, and the international
standardization of evidentiary requirements in terms of admissibility in a court of law.
Findings
The research is expected to reveal that while cybercrimes can theoretically
qualify as international crimes under the ICC's jurisdiction, successful prosecutions in
the near future may be hindered by the gravity challenges. The study will highlight
the need for the ICC to develop expertise and capacity in investigating and
prosecuting cyber activities, potentially focusing on incidents where cyber operations
support kinetic strikes against protected persons and objects. The research is expected
to yield insights into the legal and practical implications of extending the ICC's
jurisdiction to cybercrimes, as well as recommendations for adapting legal
frameworks and developing the Court's capacity to effectively address cybercrimes
1 Corresponding author’s e-mail is chaudharynaeem133@gmail.com

offenses. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of the ICC's proactive
approach in anticipating and responding to the evolving nature of international crimes
in the digital domain, and the need for ongoing research and collaboration between
the ICC, states, and tech companies to ensure accountability for cybercrimes that
threaten international peace and security.
Originality/Value
This research provides a novel and comprehensive analysis of the jurisdictional
challenges faced by the ICC in prosecuting cybercrimes, contributing to the
understanding of the Court's role in addressing these offenses in the digital age.

CBRN THREATS AND SECURITY: THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCES, POLICE AND SECURITY FORCES

Aybüke Isbir Turan — 2025-03-25

This mini review provides an in-depth analysis of the role and importance of fundamental sciences, police, and security forces in addressing CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear) threats and underscores the perennial nature of CBRN dangers and the necessity for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to ensure societal safety and security. Also the review stresses the evolving landscape of CBRN threats, with adversaries, terrorists, and criminal groups seeking to exploit these agents for malicious purposes. It highlights the shift from traditional defense strategies to those leveraging artificial intelligence and technological advancements in weaponry and discusses the diverse implications of CBRN threats, ranging from household chemicals to chemical factories and nuclear power plants, and their potential as warfare agents in terrorist attacks. It emphasizes the importance of research and collaboration among relevant ministries and organizations to assess and mitigate these risks. In conclusion, the review calls for interagency cooperation and coordination at local, national, and international levels to effectively manage CBRN threats. It highlights the critical role of basic sciences in identifying and mitigating CBRN threats and the need for preparedness and public awareness to prevent or minimize damages from such threats.

DARK WEB−BLACK DEEP BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT

Hatidža Beriša — 2025-03-25

Dark Web - black deep network, a space on the global network-Internet, is a logical structure that protects the identity of network users and hides the user's activities on the network. In the era of 5D warfare (disinformation, deception, destabilization, disruption and tailored destruction) the impossibility of personal identity and the possibility of a negative impact on the security of the state. In the era of counter-terrorism, the dark web was the ICT infrastructure that provided security to terrorist organizations and activists. Such a network provided users with complete anonymity and very good and cheap crypto-protection. Combined with cryptocurrencies, the dark web was a space for terrorist indoctrination, recruitment, propaganda and training. In the period of the fight against CoVid−19, the dark web services had a significant impact on the information environment and were a place for the spread of propaganda, conspiracy theories and the sale of media stones for the treatment of CoVid−19. During the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the deep black network and the services it provides have an impact on shaping the information environment of the conflicting parties, but it can be said that it has an impact on the global information environment. The black deep network as a network for protecting the identity and activities of actors in the cyber domain represents a global security challenge in the fight against terrorism, during the CoVid−19 pandemic and in modern conflicts.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SECURITY CHALLENGES: INTEGRATING NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES IN THE EMERGING THREAT OF AI-DRIVEN CYBER ATTACKS – BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Alexandru Ioan — 2025-03-25

This paper explores innovative solutions for cybersecurity challenges by integrating insights from natural and applied sciences with a focus on AI-driven cyber-attacks. Utilizing bibliometric analysis, we systematically examine scientific publications from fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Our study identifies key research trends, influential works, collaboration networks, and research gaps at the intersection of these disciplines and cybersecurity. By highlighting the potential of interdisciplinary approaches, this paper underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy in enhancing cybersecurity resilience. The findings demonstrate the critical role of multidisciplinary research in developing robust and adaptive security measures to address the dynamic landscape of cyber threats.

CHALLENGES AND GAPS IN BIOTERRORISM’S DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION

Cheong Ju Kim — 2025-03-25

Purpose

This paper explores specific challenges about detecting and examining evidence in suspected or confirmed bioterrorism events to identify gaps and discuss opportunities.

Design/Methods/Approach

This desk-based study is based on current literature and INTERPOL’s experience working with its membership in the area of bioterrorism prevention, preparedness and response.

Findings

The nature of bioterrorism incidents and lack of fit-for-purpose equipment make them very difficult to detect compared to other unconventional terrorism attacks. While some countries have built strong approaches to detect and examine bio-contaminated evidence, many countries are still looking for guidance in that domain. Building from its outreach and work with its 196 countries, INTERPOL - with the support of its partners - is strengthening the global monitoring and detection of bioterrorism incidents as well as contributing to the establishment of safer and more robust approaches for the investigation and processing of bio-contaminated evidence.

Originality/Value

While some scientific literature exists on bioterrorism forensics, the recent mostly focuses on microbial forensics. This paper focuses on the institutional limitations and gaps in the detection of bioterrorism incidents, measures for the safe and efficient processing of the evidence collected in such investigations, as well as discussing opportunities to address those gaps.

ENVIRONMENTAL DNA –eDNA

Minja Blažić Pavićević — 2025-03-25

Healthy environment and preserved environment is the prerequisite for future development and basic survival of todays and future generations. The role of criminal law in the matter of realization of a right to healthy environment is the ultimate defense mechanism, as well as a mechanism flexible to recognize and adjust to societal changes, with a need to identify and sanction different illegal behavior. Societal changes, ongoing struggle between the interest of the capital against individual interests, economic prosperity, they all led to a new range of illegal behavior and criminal acts against an environment require more attention from public. As a group of specific criminal acts, a new issue occurred regarding the detection and proving the criminal act, but we must take into account the present-day capacities regarding detection and verification of such criminal acts. A deeper analysis of comparative legislature and court cases concluded that USA has developed such act of proving – harvesting samples from the environment, purposefully adjusted to the crime against the environment. Proper use of this act of proving, adjusted to such criminal acts has given positive results. The subject of this research was finding the way in which such samples could be harvested from environment, the quality of the results obtained, and regarding which criminal acts would it be beneficial to utilize this modified mode of extracting e-DNA.

THE NEXT DIGITAL ERA: POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY

Zoltán Rajnai — 2025-03-25

The development of quantum computers poses a serious challenge to current cryptographic systems. The RSA encryption algorithm, which is widely used, may be threatened by 2025 due to the capabilities of quantum computers. SNDL (Store Now, Decrypt Later) attacks, in which attackers collect and store data now to crack it later with quantum computers, are also a serious threat. The United States, China, Russia, and the European Union are investing heavily in quantum research and development to prepare for these challenges. The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) post-quantum cryptographic standardization process has already standardized four algorithms - CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, FALCON and SPHINCS+ - and is examining four more - Classic McEliece, BIKE, HQC and SIKE in the next round. These efforts are essential to ensure future secure communications and privacy.

GEOGRAPHIC PROFILING – ENVIRONMENTAL AND OFFENDERS’ BEHAVIOR PATTERNS OF ROBBERY CHARACTERISTICS

Ksenija Butorac — 2025-03-25

Purpose:

Geographic profiling is a crime analysis technique that uses the locations of a connected series of crime sites to identify or to predict offender patterns and to determine the most probable area of offender residence. The paper aims to highlight the significance of spatial and temporal components of crime in relation to the other components that make a criminal event with the aim to make informed decisions. It is a part of the research project Geographic profiling of robberies in the area of the City of Zagreb, Croatia. The project objective is to investigate spatial patterns and related variables influencing the criminal path of robbers.

Design /Method/Approach:

The research methodology involves collecting and processing police crime data on robbery crimes in 2018 and publicly available geographical and census data to enhance the research findings. It utilizes geospatial data processing technology to analyze crime patterns and connections between socio-demographic, spatial and temporal features of the criminal events. It also explores the movement of offenders based on the ecological criminology principles and emphasizes the significance of geostatistical methods in crime analysis.

Findings:

The distance distribution covered by perpetrators of robberies shows the presence of the distance decay effect. There is also a certain correlation between both the crime-related and the offender-related variables such as the age of the offender and the means of usage, as well as the time of day of crime incident. The frequency of occurrence of the crime in relation to the distance and temporal component indicates a trend of shorter distances in the night and morning hours, while there is a greater variation in distance during the day, which might be connected to mobility of the offenders, especially those who use public transportation.

Originality/Value:

This is the first study of geographic profiling in Croatia to date. It emphasizes the environmental and criminal behavior features of the robberies which are specific for the area of the City of Zagreb as a initial step of the model development. The research paper builds on the existing knowledge of the topic and addresses possible implications for future development of the spatial crime models in Croatia.

MODERN CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION TRAINING AND PRACTICE

Péter Nyeste — 2025-03-25

Purpose

The aim of the article is to present the teaching of criminal intelligence in law enforcement higher education, as well as to present the practice developed in the new legal environment.

Design/Methods/Approach

The author presents and examines the legal framework and practical aspects of the operation of Criminal Intelligence in Hungary and the situation of training, with special regard to the new Criminal Procedure and Police Law.

Findings

Findings: On the one hand, analysis of the domestic legal regulation of criminal intelligence and the relevant EU recommendations the subject of the critical review, and on the other hand, the analysis of the development of criminal intelligence training in the domestic law enforcement higher education. The development of domestic training follows legislative changes, but the uniform application of criminal intelligence in practice needs improvement.

Originality/Value

The article can contribute to the uniform practical and training application of criminal intelligence. The monitoring of changes in established practice can be the subject of further articles.

Keywords: criminal intelligence, training, law enforcement higher education, practice

DETECTING DEPENDENCIES IN DATAFLOW KERNELS

Nenad Korolija — 2025-03-25

Purpose
The importance of artificial intelligence in detecting crime is constantly rising. Artificial intelligence algorithms are known to be computation demanding. It is common that the execution of artificial intelligence algorithms in modern cloud infrastructures is performed using dedicated hardware. Computer hardware that includes dataflow hardware along with conventional processors is capable of accelerating artificial intelligence algorithms. They also exist in a form of nodes suitable for cluster or cloud infrastructure.

Design/Methods/Approach
This article describes a method to automatically detect dependencies in dataflow kernels. The tool for constructing dependency graph is presented. The example code is chosen to depict the process of detecting dependencies. The proposed method is also suitable for hybrid processors consisting of both control-flow and dataflow hardware on the same chip die.

Findings
The dependency graph creation enable automation of translating algorithms from control-flow to dataflow hardware. This can lead to even higher acceleration factor when using dataflow hardware for the execution of artificial intelligence algorithms.

Originality/Value
While there are frameworks that can serve for designing dataflow hardware and using the hardware for executing algorithms, not much work has been performed to automatically transform control-flow into dataflow algorithms by detecting dependencies among kernels and instructions. The dependency graph was designed for this purpose.

NETWORK-RESEARCH BASED DYNAMIC METHOD IN CRIME PREVENTION AND INVESTIGATION

Zoltán György Bács — 2025-03-25

One of the basic functions of the law-enforcement is to prevent crimes of any character and if crimes have already been committed, the law-enforcement structures will investigate the cases preparing all the possible proofs based on the gathered evidences and information for the prosecution. A new, innovative method is aimed to assist to collect, process, evaluate and assess the information in progress i.e. following the dynamics of the prevention if possible and investigation.

The purpose of the resent study is to introduce the basic concept of the new method, to explain the interconnection between formation of new information based upon already known information, the time-flow and the formation of information networks and the dynamic link between the changing values of information on the subsequent progress of the investigation.

The method of research presented in his study is deductive and comparative analysis.

The dynamic analysis and assessment method to be called “Danube Analyst Method (DAM)” is unique since all the actual analyzing methods are based on stabile networks without considering the possible effects of the calculable or supposable information on the investigation progress. This is the first method-to-be assisted by wide use of Artificial Intelligence.

THE SPECIAL TOOLS OF THE CRIMINAL POLICE IN THE PREVENTION OF HOMICIDE

Béla Árpás — 2025-03-25

Сврха: Служба криминалистичке полиције годишње прима десетине пријава у којима се наводи да појединци, вођени различитим мотивима, намеравају да одузму живот другом лицу уз помоћ „убице“. Полиција мора учинити све што је у њеној моћи да спречи фатални исход оваквих злочина. У свом истраживању испитао сам како криминалистичка служба мађарске полиције спроводи директну превенцију и које методе и средства користи у ту сврху.
Метод: Започео сам испитивање материјалноправних прописа мађарског кривичног закона, почевши од формирања умишљаја до почињења умишљајног убиства. Накнадно сам прибавио званичну статистику кривичних дела у вези са убиствима и анализирао их, сагледавајући аспекте кривичног процесног права. Теми сам приступио из криминолошке, кривично-тактичке и криминалистичко-методолошке перспективе. Коначно, са практичне тачке гледишта, обавио сам квалитативне интервјуе међу професионалцима јединице за убиства, допунивши их својим скоро дводеценијским искуством.
Резултати: Током истраживања сам закључио да у мађарском контексту кривично материјално право на адекватан начин регулише питање убиства, узимајући у обзир различите стадијуме кривичног дела са одговарајућом тежином. Кривично процесно право пружа више могућности органима за спровођење закона да директно спрече извршење кривичног дела. Полиција може ефикасно да интервенише у процесуирању злочина типа „хитман” у смислу директне превенције, али само до одређеног нивоа организованог извршења.
Вредност: Ова студија може да расветли који алати могу помоћи у спречавању убистава у Мађарској у 21. веку на различитим нивоима организације.

FROM WASTE TO LATENT TRACES VISUALIZATION: THE APPLICATION OF POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)-BASED POWDERS IN DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

Nemanja Vučković — 2025-03-25

Purpose

Polymeric materials are used worldwide in various industries and for different purposes. While natural polymers do not pose a problem for the environment, mainly due to their biodegradability and non-toxic properties, (semi)synthetic polymers represent the major environmental pollutants. The necessity to protect the environment can be supported by the reuse of the discarded plastic materials. Very often, plastic waste must be recycled prior to its further (re)utilization. A number of recycling approaches are used today for these purposes. In this research, we demonstrate the possibility of using recycled PET packaging material for the preparation of powders used in the visualization of latent fingerprints.

Design/Methods/Approach

In this paper, PET-based powder formulations were obtained by PET glycolysis reaction, using ethylene glycol as a solvent. Three different PET packaging materials (having different additives), were used to obtain powders with green, white and blue appearance. Prepared powders were used to visualize latent fingerprints deposited onto non-porous (glass) surface. The structure and properties were compared between prepared powders, while the quality of visualization was specifically investigated by comparing the powders with the commercial and routinely used BVDA Magnetic Silver powder.

Findings

The interactions between components of prepared powders and potential presence of additives were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Optical microscopy showed that prepared powders possess round-shaped particles, and uniform in size, which enabled their easy binding to the sweat and lipid fingerprint residues.

Originality/Value

The prepared powders demonstrated good interaction with latent traces when deposited onto a glass substrate. Moreover, high-quality fingerprint images were obtained when compared to those developed using commercial powder. The results showed that powders manufactured from recycled PET could potentially supplement the routinely used fingerprint powders, especially due to their low cost (as they are obtained from waste raw material).

PREDICTION OF DETONATION PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY OF NEW CLASS HIGH ENERGETIC MATERIALS

Gvozden Tasić — 2025-03-25

Purpose: There is a constant need for reliable prediction of the values of detonation parameters and stability of new class High Energetic Materials (HEM). Due to the risk of possible explosions, it is desirable to reduce the number of experimental studies for the development of new explosives. Research into the relationship between the structure and properties of explosives using computer programs has led to the development of new HEM with advanced performance. A realized program solution, can be useful for predicting stability and detonation parameters of different explosive compounds, that is, for the design, production, use or protection against special purpose explosives.

Design/Methods/Approach: The data were analysed using Gaussian 09 software applying ArgusLab, a molecular modeling program for Windows operating system.

Findings: Two key properties that are used to evaluate explosives are the detonation velocity and the detonation pressure. Particularly useful in contemplating the design of new explosive compounds are the Kamlet–Jacobs equations for detonation velocity and detonation pressure. DFT methods, especially B3LYP as a hybrid DFT method, have been shown to yield reliable geometries and also require less time and computational resources.

Originality/Value: In this paper different potential high energetic compounds have been analysed and compared. This review points out innovative approaches in methods and techniques of new class HEM development and design and gives a basis for future research activities.

NUCLEAR FORENSICS – TECHNIQUES FOR CHARACTERIZATION (EXAMPLE OF NUCLEAR TECHNIQUE USE)

Marija Janković — 2025-03-25

Purpose: Nuclear forensics presents the examination of nuclear and other radioactive materials using different analytical techniques to determine the material origin. The most commonly used methods in nuclear forensics are high resolution gamma spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and dosimetry. Their application enables the answer to the unauthorized use of these materials. Radiological technique can be used for surface contamination or dose rate determination. For isotopic analysis, gamma spectrometry as a non-destructive method of nuclear forensics is used. On the other hand, alpha spectrometry as a destructive method requires the application of radiochemical preparation. Measurement of gross alpha/beta activity is also a nuclear technique that can be used to determine the presence of alpha or beta emitters, as a screening method. Other techniques imply Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Mass spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Portable X-ray Fluorescence (FP-XRF) Spectroscopy, etc. Design/Methods/Approach: In this paper, a description of the methods used in nuclear forensics has been described, including a literature review. Special emphasis is placed on gamma spectrometry and dose rate measurements. Findings: Gross alpha/beta measuring represents screening technique which identifies the presence of gross alpha or beta emitters without the possibility of identifying individual radionuclides. Gamma spectrometry does not require special sample preparation and it is not time-consuming compared with alpha spectrometry, where radiochemical preparation is necessary.

Originality/Value: In this paper, dosimetric measurement which is carried out by controlling the radioactivity of goods during import, export and transit at border crossing has been described. Radioactivity control is based on measurements performed by authorized legal persons and involves measurements of dose rate of ionizing radiation from the goods and examination of samples by gamma spectrometric method.

DRUG USE STATISTICS IN SERBIA: ANALYSING A POPULATION'S DRUG USE STANCE ON CANNABIS LEGALISATION

Jelena Uvalić — 2025-03-25

Purpose: The 2023 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reveals that illegal drugs are widespread in Europe and it is difficult to avoid the expansion of new psychoactive substances (PAS), their availability and subsequent harmful effects. The problem of addiction and behavioural disorders caused by PAS in Serbia has grown in recent years. Therefore, it is necessary to develop appropriate strategies to combat the abuse of PAS among the population. This, among other things, entails regular education of the population about the harmfulness of drug use, as well as assisting persons who have encountered addiction problems.

Design/Methods/Approach: This study aimed to analyze the data obtained using two independent surveys conducted on the territory of the Republic of Serbia in 2023. One survey included research related to the use of illegal drugs and prescription drugs with psychoactive effects with 72 respondents and another survey specifically included the opinion about the legalisation of cannabis in which 86 people participated.

Findings, Originality/Value: For the fight against drug abuse to be successful, it is required to have the best possible insight into the consumption of PAS on the territory of one country. Based on anonymous questionnaire, effective preventive strategies and programs can be developed in order to reduce the use of PAS in different population groups. The data findings of this research revealed that one-third of respondents ever used some illegal drug and most of them (67 %) revealed that it was cannabis. Regarding the opinion on the legalisation of cannabis about half of the respondents (48 %) believe that the law allowing recreational use in Serbia is not necessary and that cannabis should remain banned. The same percentage of respondents believe that for people with serious illnesses, cannabis-based preparations should be made available.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC AUDITING TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTS COMBATING CRIMINAL ACTS

Dragan Cvetković — 2025-03-25

Purpose

Non-objective and untrue data in financial reports and accounting are not always the result of error, incompetence, ignorance or incorrect application of international accounting standards and/or international financial reporting standards, but are often the result of a criminal activity in the field of financial transactions and business. Internal and external audits are not an instrument for detecting criminal acts, nor is this their main goal. In this context, practice has generated forensic auditing as a new service within the auditing profession. It is a specialized activity of auditing financial reports, the primary goal of which is the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal acts.

Design/Methods/Approach

The paper will be focused on the application of audit instruments and techniques in the prevention and detection of criminal acts. In order to detect and/or prevent a criminal act, forensic auditors, in addition to knowing a wide range of forms of criminal acts and criminal schemes, need to recognize warning signs that represent economic indicators of illegal actions in the field of financial operations, identify them and apply effective procedures for their disclosure. This clearly indicates that in order to suppress criminal acts in the modern business environment, it is necessary for forensic auditors to be competent in the implementation of audit instruments and techniques with the help of computers and programmes. The methodological framework of the paper includes analysis, synthesis and description with the use of relevant literature by foreign and domestic authors.

Findings

The aim of this paper is to point out the importance and role that forensic auditing has as an instrument for detecting and preventing criminal acts in the operation of modern business systems. The paper will specifically analyze criminal acts related to financial reports, warning signs of the so-called ”red flags” indicating possible criminal activity in financial reports and accounting, types of criminal activities and forensic audit analysis in the context of detecting and preventing criminal activities in companies. Emphasis in the paper is on the importance of audit methods and analysis in forensic audit investigations of criminal acts, all with the aim of better understanding the action and role of the audit profession in suppressing criminal acts.

Originality/Value

This paper will represent a solid starting point for further research, considering the covered topic which is current at the national level and at the global level as well.

FORENSIC LINGUISTICS AND POLICE WORK: STATE AND CHALLENGES

Jelena Vojinović-Kostić — 2025-03-25

FORENSIC LINGUISTICS AND POLICE WORK: STATE AND CHALLENGES

Jelena Vojinović-Kostić, Ph.D. Professor[1]

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republic of Srpska, Administration for Police Education, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

GOAL

The work before us aims to shed light on the importance of forensic linguistics in the performance of goals and tasks set before the police by tasks that are within its scope of work, the position of forensic linguistics and its application in police work today, the possibilities of application and development.

METHODS

The methods we use in this paper are the methods of analysis and synthesis with an emphasis on case analysis.

FINDINGS

Forensic linguistics as a branch of applied linguistics is insufficiently known to the police in our area, in relation to the level of its applicability in police affairs, and it is necessary to permanently point out its importance and the possibilities it provides in the evidentiary process and in the prevention of criminal offenses from terrorism and beyond.

IMPORTANCE

The significance of this work is in illuminating forensic linguistics and pointing out its usable capacities in the process of collecting data and evidence by judicial authorities and the police.

Keywords: linguistics, forensics, forensic linguistics, police.

About the author

Professor Dr. Jelena Vojinović-Kostić, completed her basic studies in general linguistics at the Faculty of Philology, University of Belgrade, where she obtained a master's degree (major: Language Science) and then a doctorate (specialist field: Discourse Analysis). She worked as an assistant at the same faculty, assistant professor and associate professor at the Pan-European University "Apeiron", Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska. The author is a research associate at the Institute for Serbian Culture Priština-Leposavić, Republic of Serbia, permanently employed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska, Directorate for Police Education, in the position of senior professional associate for scientific and research work.

She is the author of several scientific papers in the field of linguistics and two monographic publications; participant of numerous scientific gatherings and conferences.

[1] Jelena.Vojinovic-Kostic@mup.vladars.rs; jellianna@gmail.com