To enhance customs controls at Palestinian crossings, the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point held a one-day-training on check and search techniques.
On 10 March 2022, ten Palestinian officers from Border Police, Customs and Customs Police, all working under the umbrella of the General Administration for Borders and Crossings, participated in a training session delivered by the Mission's Border Customs Expert Artur Bryk. The training which took place at GABC training center in Jericho introduced the attendees to the construction of buses, bus traffic, bus search methods and the psychology of bus searches.
The Mission expert encouraged real-life role play; he developed scenarios and participants solicited as players. He also supported the theoretical knowledge with in-the-field videos from the Polish Customs. The training included active discussions and participants were given the opportunity to reflect on learning and to share cases of relevance to the topic.
By the end of the day, the attendees were able to identify traditional and untraditional methods of smuggling and concealing contraband in addition to how available tools and equipment can be used in inspecting for contraband in possible key areas of any vehicle.
Artur Bryk commented " I am pleased to work with this group of highly motivated and eager participants. Our training session built on the existing knowledge and skills of GABC officers in fighting illicit tangible goods including drugs, cigarettes, weapons and communication devices. We discussed possible inspection and detection methods given the available resources. We also brought focus on how to translate body language and understand non-verbal behaviors to increase security."
