Implementing the Interreg V-A Latvian-Lithuanian Cross-Border Cooperation Programme’s 2014-2020  project LLI-302 “Improvement of efficiency and availability of local public security services in cross border regions of Latvia and Lithuania” (Safe Borderlands), the lead partner – Zemgale Planning Region (ZPR) organized an experience exchange visit to Poland for the project partners:  Aknīste, Tērvete, Vecumnieki municipalities, as well as Lithuania municipalties from Biržai and Rokiškis.

With the support of the  “Pomerania” Euroregion administration, a delegation of two Baltic neighbours visited the State Police Department of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, where local officials introduced their structure, regulatory framework and main development directions, emphasizing the previous positive experience in cooperation with German colleagues, based on the Cooperation Agreement between the two countries. Polish friends proudly showed the interiors of the restored police administrative building, which is a cultural-historical object and its facade, with support from the European Union (EU) funds, including a luxurious tradition hall and courtyard now available for tourists at a certain time. Another building was followed by the City Video Surveillance Center and a Modern Forensic Laboratory, but visiting the nearby Police Department in Grifino near the German suburbs.

In the follow-up visit, the delegation visited the State Fire and Rescue Service of Scecin, got acquainted with the car park and the equipment of the rescuers, witnessed the call to the fire site in one of the town’s production facilities, listened to the presentation of officials on the implementation of projects supported by the EU structural funds aimed at training, equipment and equipment. modernization to improve performance and cooperation in dealing with the consequences of major fires, floods and environmental pollution, including assistance to the neighbouring German territory, if requested. There was also a lot of co-operation between various providers of public security services at the City Crisis Center, 112 Central and Emergency Emergency Call Reception Center in Scecin’s Historic Town Hall, as well as the “fast” help station in the popular resort town of Mežizdroj, Voivodship. Interestingly, with the introduction of various cross-border co-operation projects, the education of rescuers, firefighters and medical doctors in Poland pays great attention to the learning of foreign languages ​​and training with appropriate simulators.

The total funding for the LLI-302 project is € 543,262.45, including ERDF funding of € 461,773.08.

This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Zemgale Planning Region and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.