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ANDATE and TASKS

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MANDATE 
 
The UNMIK police operation is significantly different from previous United Nations civilian police missions.  Its major task is not monitoring like before. The UNMIK police is a law enforcement unit, and it is the only law enforcement unit in Kosovo. The Security Council (resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999) has tasked UNMIK with two strategically goals:

1.To provide temporary law enforcement,

2.To establish and develop a professional, impartial and independent local police, called Kosovo Police Service (KPS).

The mission for international police should be considered completed when the local police is  able to enforce law and order according to international standards.
TASKS
 

To achieve the goals imposed by Security Council, UNMIK Police has to modify their function going over three distinct phases (report SG, 12 Jul 1999):

In the first phase, KFOR will be responsible for ensuring public safety and order until the international civil presence can take responsibility for this task. Until the transfer of that responsibility, UNMIK's civilian police will advise KFOR on policing matters and establish liaison with local and international counterparts. The special police units under UNMIK control will also establish liaison with local and international counterparts and protect United Nations installations, if needed. UNMIK border police will advise KFOR units stationed at the border.

In the second phase, once UNMIK has taken over responsibility for law and order from KFOR, UNMIK civilian police will carry out normal police duties and will have executive law enforcement authority. At that time, UNMIK civilian police will be armed. To the extent that trained local police become available through the police academy under UNMIK's institution-building component, UNMIK civilian police will initiate on-the-job training, advising and monitoring. UNMIK special police units will carry out public order functions, such as crowd control and area security. The special police units will also provide support for UNMIK civilian police and protect UNMIK installations. At that time, it would be preferable for any special police unit previously under KFOR command to be transferred to UNMIK authority so as to avoid two units with similar mandates in the same theatre. The United Nations border police will ensure compliance with immigration laws and other border regulations. KFOR will continue to support UNMIK in these efforts, as required.

In the third phase, once properly trained and selected local police in sufficient strength are available, UNMIK will transfer responsibilities for law and order and border policing functions to the Kosovo Police Service. At that time, UNMIK civilian and border police will revert to training, advising and monitoring functions. UNMIK special police units might still be needed as a backup.

As of April 2000, UNMIK Police comply the second phase tasks. Main activities include:

-  patroling and maintaining public order,
-  investigation of crimes,
-  preventative measures,
-  field training for KPS,
-  collection of criminal intelligence,
-  border and immigration control,
-  traffic control.
RELATED DOCUMENTS

RESOLUTION 1244

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 10 OF SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1244 (1999)

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE UNITED NATIONS
INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MISSION IN KOSOVO ( 12 Jul 1999 )

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