SECURITY POLICY 2014 by Siseministeerium

SECURITY POLICY 2014

Part one of the main security policy guidelines presents the seven priorities of the Ministry of the Interior. These are the main tasks that I, as the Minister of the Interior, have assigned to our area of government in order to make Estonia a safer place. Part two of this publication provides a summary of how security policy was implemented in 2013. Enjoy reading!

Ken-Marti Vaher

Minister of the Interior until February 2014

SECURITY POLICY

2014

Summary of the implementation of the “Main guidelines of Estonia’s security policy until 2015” in 2013

Dear reader,

This security policy summary provides an overview of our efforts to make Estonia a safer place. In moving towards this goal, we have been guided by the following principles: prevention is always cheaper for society than dealing with the consequences; when dealing with problems, we must identify their root causes, and each euro from the taxpayer’s pocket must be spent wisely and transparently. Our efforts and results in increasing security in recent years can be summarised in terms of five impacts on society.

1. Less crime. To achieve this, we have reinstated the Central Criminal Police and established new central units for the investigation of corruption and criminal income. We have significantly intensified our focus on and funding of combating serious and hidden crime (i.e. drug-related crime, corruption, economic crime, etc.). We have tripled our capability of uncovering criminal income and the amounts seized and confiscated have increased. We have also extended the competence of the Security Police in investigating serious corruption. Result indicator Total number of crimes Manslaughter and murder fatalities

2011

2013

Trend

Variation %

42 567

39 631

Decreasing

-7%

Decreasing

-35%

178

Increasing

+50%

€2.7 million

€3.2 million

Increasing

+13%

Increased detection of serious hidden crime

+47%

€1,265

€1,807

Increasing

+42.8%

Criminal cases with criminal income seized Total amount of seized criminal income Criminal cases of serious hidden crime sent to the prosecutor’s office 2

Average salary of criminal income investigators

Preliminary data Serious hidden crime is the following: serious drug offences, serious corruption, organised criminal groups, serious economic crime, money laundering, serious and cross border human trafficking and serious crimes against the sexual self determination of minors.

2. More saved lives. In 2013, the number of deaths caused by accidents (fatalities caused by traffic accidents, fires and drowning) was the lowest since Estonia regained its independence. Important contributing factors here are the significant reinforcement of traffic and fire safety supervision in the past two years and a 2.4 time increase in prevention funds and corresponding focus (prevention funds have increased from 595,234 euros in 2011 to 1,441,908 euros in 2013). The treatment of serious offences and repeated offenders is stricter: the penal practice in different parts of Estonia has been harmonised. Result indicator

2011

2013

Trend

Variation %

Number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents

101

Decreasing

-18%

1,492

1,372

Decreasing

-8%

Number of traffic accidents where people have been injured

1.7% (2012)

1.3%

Decreasing

-24%

Number of fatalities caused by fires

Decreasing

-36%

Number of fatalities caused by drowning

Decreasing

-10%

Percentage of drunk drivers of the drivers inspected

A new methodology was introduced in 2012. In 2012, 498,603 drivers were asked to take a breathalyser test, and 620,309 drivers in 2013.

3. More motivated police officers and rescue workers. Estonia was virtually the only country in Europe to increase the salaries of police officers and rescue workers to the extent that it did as of 1 January 2013. The salaries will continue rising in 2014. We have reformed the salary systems of institutions, adjusted the management of institutions and employed new managers. Result indicator4

2011

2014

Trend

Variation %

€848/€827

€1,006/€1,032

Increasing

+19%/+25%

Average salary of a criminal investigator5

€1,049

€1,315

Increasing

+25%

Average salary of a border guard officer

€888

€1,011

Increasing

+ 14%

Average salary of a rescue worker7 in a group III intensive unit

€750

€843

Increasing

+12%

€1,106/€1,170

€1,496/€1,446

Increasing

+35.3%/+23.6%

Average salary of a patrol officer / regional officer

Average salaries of corruption investigators / drugrelated crime investigators

4 The average salary of 2011 and 2014 is basic salary plus additional remuneration provided for by law for working at night and on public holidays. Basic salary does not include irregular remuneration, such as bonuses, etc. 5 The figure reflects the average salaries of the organisation’s entire criminal police field, except those of persons employed in confidential units; at 1 December 2013, the Police and Border Guard Board employed 716 investigators. 6 The figure reflects the average salaries of all border guard officers employed throughout the organisation; at 1 December 2013, the Police and Border Guard Board employed 562 border guard officers. 7 Rescue workers include the positions of rescue worker, senior rescue worker and leading rescue worker.

4. Better life-saving capabilities. As a result of the rescue unit reform of 2012, we increased the number of units with life-saving capabilities from 41 to 66, thus making rescue services accessible to an additional 120,000 people. Result indicator

2011

2013

Trend

Variation %

Increased

+61%

Percentage of rescue units with life-saving capabilities

53%

92%

Increased

+74%

Percentage of population whose life can be saved in 1–15 minutes

84%

93%

Increased

+11%

Waiting period for the arrival of rescue units with life-saving capabilities

11:20

9:20

Decreasing

-18%

Increasing

+700%

Number of rescue units with life-saving capabilities

Number of units equipped with thermal cameras8 8

Thermal cameras allow the rescue workers to rescue victims from burning buildings much faster.

FOREWORD

4 5. Increased volunteer and community involvement. Our support of volunteering has been clear: we have increased state support for volunteer rescue workers, assistant police officers and neighbourhood watch four times (from 309,457 euros in 2011 to 1,321,277 euros in 2013). Result indicator

2011

2013

Trend

Variation %

Number of certified volunteer rescue workers

295

1281

Increasing

+334%

105

Increasing

+24%

259

678

Increasing

+88%

59,575

71,870

Increasing

+21%

12.4%

Increasing

148%

Number of volunteer rescue units Number of active assistant police officers

Number of hours that assistant police officers have contributed to police activities Percentage of volunteer maritime rescue workers of all incidents

The new Rescue Act entered into force in late 2010, and the first certificates were issued in the second half of 2011. The number of volunteer rescue organisations increased from 1,109 in 2011 to 1,868 in 2013. 10 An assistant police officer is considered active if s/he has contributed to police activities at least one hour a year. 9

I am convinced that everyone can contribute to the efforts described above – either by volunteering an actual helping hand to the police and rescuers or by simply observing and noticing the life around us with human compassion, all the while being aware that if risks and danger become too much to handle, help is near, offered by police officers, border guards, rescue workers or other officials whose direct task is to make Estonia a safer place to live.

Ken-Marti Vaher Minister of the Interior until February 2014 Tallinn, February 2014

For more on what we do: www.siseministeerium.ee www.facebook.com/siseministeerium www.tarkvanem.ee

Table of Contents Security policy priorities 1. Prevention policy and reduction of deaths caused by accidents..................................................................................8 2. Combating serious hidden crime.....................................................................................................................................20 3. Strengthening rescue capability.......................................................................................................................................26 4. Reducing narcotics related deaths and drug addiction..............................................................................................30 5. Involving volunteers in security.........................................................................................................................................36 6. Citizenship and migration policy......................................................................................................................................44 7. High quality and sustainable management of internal security................................................................................50

Implementation of the “Main guidelines of Estonia’s security policy until 2015” in 2013 Stronger sense of security.....................................................................................................................................................58 Improved traffic safety............................................................................................................................................................61 Improved fire safety.................................................................................................................................................................63 Improved protection of property..........................................................................................................................................65 Decreased number of accidents...........................................................................................................................................68 Improved national security.....................................................................................................................................................71 Faster response.......................................................................................................................................................................76 Increased efficiency of security policy................................................................................................................................79

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Photo: Mari Riina Rist/PPA

Security policy

PRIORITIES

Photo:: Rasmus Jurkatam

Prevention policy and reduction of deaths caused by accidents

Evacuation drag mat in use

Priit Laaniste

Helen Ojamaa

Head of the Rescue and Crisis

Adviser of the Rescue and Crisis

Management Department

The number of fatalities caused by fires and drowning has been on a steady decline in recent years. Last year was the second year in a row when we recorded the lowest number of fire deaths – 47, which is seven people less than in 2012, when 54 people lost their lives in fires. 561 people drowned last year, and 48 in the previous year. Only ten years ago, 141 people died in fires and 105 people drowned. A contributing factor to the decreased number of fatalities in recent years has been an increase in the budget for prevention work. In 2014, we are allocating over 700,000 euros to prevention work. Compared to 2011, the budget for the prevention of rescue events has almost doubled.

Prevention efforts give results We use various methods for informing important target groups, but our media campaigns reach the largest audience. In 2013, the Rescue Board organised a summertime water safety campaign with the message “Don’t drink and swim! Say no to swimming drunk!” When analysing the circumstances leading to drowning, we identified young men aged 20–30 years as the target group as they were the most prone to go swimming drunk in the summer and to drown. We achieved the expected result in 2013, as no men aged 20–30 years drowned in water over the summer period. Last year, we also completed a film on the various water-related dangers in the summertime that people tend to underestimate. The film will reach the viewers via different distribution channels in 2014 right before the swimming season begins, and it will be used as a study aid at water safety training events.

People usually drown fully clothed Last year, nearly three quarters of drowning victims were found fully clothed, which tells us that in most The data regarding 2013 are based on the Ministry of the Interior’s operational statistics and may change as the information is further specified in 2014.

cases of drowning the victims had not planned to go swimming. Thus, other factors led to drowning, and often by accident. Stepping up cooperation among different institutions plays a significant role in preventing such cases, so that early intervention could prevent a tragic event from occurring. Thus, we are planning to launch a cooperation assembly of bodies dealing with water safety issues in 2014 in order to define their corresponding contribution to decreasing deaths by drowning.

Residential building fires on the decline The number of residential building fires has been on a

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

What does raise concern, however, is risky behaviour in terms of fire safety – for example, people repairing hearths or electrical appliances on their own and the elderly often forgetting to remove the food they are preparing from a hot stove

steady decline, falling from 1,155 fires in 2012 to 892 last year. A persisting problem, however, is carelessness with open fire, for example falling asleep while smoking a cigarette. The total number of building fires registered in Estonia last year was 1,627 and 870 of these were caused by carelessness. Use of open fire

489

Smoking

148

Electrical wiring malfunctions

137

Arsons

128

Malfunctions in electrical appliances

Use of heating devices

Main reasons for fires in 2013

In order to map out more clearly the problems and potential solutions in the field of fire safety, the Ministry of the Interior commissioned in 2013 a qualitative survey2 from the research company SaarPoll, which revealed that many people have had experiences with fire accidents. Fortunately, in most cases the fires were stopped quickly, preventing more extensive damage. What does raise concern, however, is risky behaviour in terms of fire safety – for example, people repairing hearths or electrical appliances on their own, smoke inside buildings, and the elderly often forgetting to remove the food they are preparing from a hot stove.

Rescue workers give advice in 8,000 homes The survey by SaarPoll also revealed that people wish to be informed about fire safety by experts in the field – preferably by rescue workers and officials. We have kept this in mind in making our plans for 2014 by setting a goal whereby rescue workers The survey is available at https://www.siseministeerium.ee/public/Tuleohutuse_fg_uuringu_aruanne_SaarPoll.pdf.

and prevention experts are to advise 8,000 Estonian homes on fire safety. These home visits will focus on the fire safety risks in the dwellings in question and on advising families on how to improve fire safety. In order to detect fires promptly, all households must have at least one properly installed fire detector. Unfortunately, people often forget to maintain the detector regularly once they have installed it. Last year’s fire safety campaign reminded people again of the need to do this. According to the results of a survey commissioned by the Rescue Board and conducted by TNS Emor3, smoke detectors are less common among Estonia’s Russian speaking population than among the Estonian speaking populaSurvey on fire safety awareness among the Estonian population, 2013 (Rescue Board; survey conducted by TNS Emor).

1991

114

1992

1993

135

1994

168

1995

208

1996

170

1997

116

1998

170

1999

125

2000

156

2001

169

2002

131

2003

141

2004

127

2005

133

2006

164

2007

132

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Fire casualties in 1991–2013

tion: in 2013, 90% of Estonians and 83% of Russian speaking residents had a smoke detector at home; thus, the Russian speaking population was urged especially to install a smoke detector in the homes of their loved ones.

A financial boost for assessing the risks of medical institutions In 2013, we continued the project “Prevention and management of natural disasters: increasing fire safety in 24 hour medical and social welfare institutions in Estonia”, funded under the Estonian-Swiss cooperation programme, and assessed risks in 282

buildings. The assessment revealed that fire safety should be improved in more than half of the buildings, which is an indication of the relevance of the issue. We will take this information into account in further activities. The project provided medical and social welfare institutions with 7,000 evacuation drag mats that, when placed under beds, allow for faster evacuation of patients in case of an accident. The project in question is the most expensive prevention project ever carried out in Estonia, with a budget of over 1.3 million euros. Last year, the Ministry of the Interior also compiled a handbook on the Fire Safety Act, which is available free of charge on the websites of the Ministry of the Interior, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences and the Rescue Board4 Our aim for 2014 is to continue the successful course, while examining in even greater detail the root causes and nature of the problems of deaths by fire and drowning. For this, we will deepen the investigation of circumstances surrounding events with fatalities and step up cooperation with other authorities.

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Last year prevention gave the expected result and in summertime, there were no drowning incidents among 20-30-year-old men.

https://www.siseministeerium.ee/public/Tuleohutuse_seaduse_kasiraamat_2013.pdf.

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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Last year medical and social welfare institutions received 7,000 evacuation drag mats.

Jenny Jakobson Adviser of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Policy Department

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

12 Prevention of marital violence Marital violence does not concern merely the institutions providing assistance and the people who have experienced or witnessed marital violence. It is a problem that concerns the entire society, and it should not be confined to a limited circle. Asking for and getting help must be possible already when the danger of violent behaviour is first perceived. Unfortunately, the levels of awareness and tolerance regarding this issue still vary greatly. Marital violence is a much wider issue than a problem between couples: it can involve children and parents, current or ex-spouses or partners, grandparents, brothers and sisters, etc. The extent of violence is not limited to just the victim and the abuser – it also affects the witnesses and is particularly traumatising for children. No form of violence may be tolerated, be it physical sexual, mental or economic. Degrading or disparaging someone over the phone, in text or multimedia messages, e-mails or social networks or any other invasion of privacy can also be construed as violent behaviour.

30 cases of marital violence a day The police respond to marital violence based on a call from the victim, a family member or another witness. In 2013, the police received an average of 30 marital violence calls a day – over 8,000 calls in total, which is 22% up from the previous year. This certainly indicates that people have become more aware of the problem of marital violence and react to it more readily. Since 2012, the police and the prosecutor’s office have been applying zero tolerance to cases of marital violence, which means that provided the relevant 1

http://www.politsei.ee/et/nouanded/lahisuhtevagivald/

information exists, criminal proceedings are always initiated. Almost 80% of marital violence crimes committed in the past three years have been registered as physical abuse. In 2013, at least one fifth of the crimes were preceded by long-term violent conflict resolution in various forms. Marital violence resulted in manslaughter and murder in 19 cases last year (in 20 cases in 2012 and in 17 cases in 2011). Although the share of manslaughters and murders due to marital violence among all such cases reported is low, a quarter of the cases in 2012 had been preceded by prior police response (e.g. calls to the same address due to domestic disturbance, loud noise, heavy drinking). If the state pays attention to each case and if marital violence is discussed more widely, this helps to intervene early and prevent the violence from escalating, repeating and leading to loss of lives. Notifications

Registered criminal offences

2011

Number

5145

1939

2012

Number

6675

2231

Variation

1530

292

Number

8124

2752

Variation

1449

521

2013

Number of cases of marital violence

The police focus on children in need As the police have adopted a more systematic approach to the issue and as awareness raising has been stepped up, more cases of marital violence involving children have been reported over the past

13 The police are included more

two years: in 2011 the number of reported cases was 1,142 and last year already 2,078. The number of criminal proceedings initiated has doubled as well. In 2014, our focus is on preventing and combating violent incidents witnessed by or directed at children.

Once marital violence requires police intervention, the police ensure the safety of the parties at the scene and provide information on help and support options. The police must notify the local government when children or elderly people are involved in the violent incident, when marital violence has taken place at the same address or between the same people for the third time or when the violent party has problems with addiction. The police pass the information on to victim support with the victims’ consent only, but criminal proceedings are always initiated when elements of a criminal offence are present. In 2013, the percentage of those turning to the police in addition to requesting shelter increased to 11% (in 2012 the percentage was 9%). Marital violence victims are offered counselling by local governments, support and information centres, shelters, victim support and the police. Information on marital violence and institutions providing assistance is available on the website of the police1.

Notifications Initiated criminal proceedings* 2011

Number

1142

288

2012

Number

1480

449

Variation

338

161

% 2013

Number

2078

797

Variation

598

348

*Criminal proceedings initiated by the police

Prevention must begin in the kindergarten and at school. In 2013, the Police and Border Guard Board targeted its violence prevention efforts at over 20,000 children and almost 2,400 employees of different educational institutions. An immediate goal is to transform project based lectures and training on the prevention of violence into a permanent part of parental and school education. The greater the awareness of children, the greater the likelihood that we can prevent and stop from escalating behaviour that damages them and others. People working in education, youth work and medical care must be able to recognise in their everyday work the signs of violence and to assess children’s behaviour in that regard. Paying attention to the welfare of children may reduce further health and other damage.

Photo: Stock.XCHNG

Cases of marital violence witnessed by or directed at a child

http://www.politsei.ee/et/nouanded/lahisuhtevagivald

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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Degrading or disparaging someone over the phone, in text or multimedia messages, e-mails or social networks or any other invasion of privacy can also be construed as violent behaviour.

Photo: Stock.XCHNG

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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In 2013, the police received an average of 30 marital violence calls a day – over 8,000 calls in total.

More rights to the police At the end of last year, the Ministry of the Interior submitted, together with the draft Law Enforcement Act Amendment and Implementation Act, motions to amend the Police and Border Guard Act and the Law Enforcement Act. These motions give the police the right to promptly take a child in danger to a safe place in order to protect the life and health of the child. Currently, this decision may be made by a child protection official, but they are not available when the relevant incidents take place in the evenings and at night, as they usually do. The amendments to both the Police and Border Guard Act and the Law Enforcement Act are currently in the legislative proceeding of the Riigikogu. In 2013, the Police and Border Guard Board either trained or participated in the training of about 350 assistance providers (local governments, the police, health care professionals and non-profit associations). In 2014, we will continue to initiate or further develop cooperation among specialists from different institutions, e.g. in the form of local information events or round table discussions, and we are also harmonising the concepts of how to treat victims

and abusers.

Improved information on risk groups When efforts are not planned promptly and collectively, the individual problems that escalate marital violence among family members may start appearing and re-appearing on the radar of different institutions. This is where the police can make an important contribution to gaining a comprehensive picture of the problem by forwarding information on public and domestic disturbances or drug use among children to local governments or other partners. In 2013, the police information systems were adjusted to improve the accessibility of information on persons in the risk group and on relevant addresses. This year, we are continuing with a pilot project for further developing cooperation and networking, which often already functions, including with child protection and social workers in solving problems on a case-by-case basis and in carrying out prevention. It is important to develop together a template for recognising violent relationships, which would help to identify risks and allow the police to support minimising these risks.

The main reason for marital violence is alcohol

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

It is an unfortunate fact that child protection workers come into contact with those in need of help only when violence has already happened and the main question is how to prevent it from repeating. In depth social counselling, home visits, meeting with children and other family members play an important role here. Based on my own work experience, I can say that marital violence is often triggered by alcohol consumption and alcoholism and that to start tackling the problem, the client first needs alcoholism treatment, psychiatric counselling and/or therapy, which are currently not fully available everywhere in Estonia. The services are also fee-charging, which often means that the client must receive support from the local government. The main issue when offering help is usually the client’s motivation to admit to the problem and to deal with solving it. As an abusive client recently said: “Alcohol is no problem for me; if I run out, I go to the store for another bottle!”, or, “I’ll enter alcohol rehab when my wife goes to the loony bin!” Another reason for violence is often the perpetuation of the familiar style of parenting along the lines of “I was beaten too, and for a good reason!” In such cases, parental education could help in changing the outdated rooted beliefs. Violent parents often lacked the necessary secure attachment to their own parent(s) as children, and the abusers try to hold on to their family members by threatening, domineering and creating co-dependent relationships. Unfortunately, we currently do not have a national multi level system in place for child protection prevention (including in the field of marital violence). It is therefore up to us to deal with prevention – together with our colleagues we visit kindergartens and schools and talk with teachers about noticing children in need of help, cooperation and the options of child protection workers in helping children and families. It is also necessary to meet regularly with health care providers (family physicians and nurses, etc.) and child protection units of local police departments, youth police and constables, whom we also assist in prevention work. Smooth cooperation requires good knowledge of the cooperation network, of all contact details and of the options and limitations of individual actors in their respective fields. This could help create trust and encourage children and families to turn to officials for help when it is needed.

Kati Valma

Chief specialist on child protection of the Department of Social Welfare

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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Violent parents often lacked the necessary secure attachment to their own parent(s) as children.

Veiko Kommusaar Deputy head of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Policy Department

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

16 Reducing traffic fatalities Accidents may be caused by human error, unfortunate circumstances and ignorance, such as a wild animal suddenly running onto the road or not noticing traffic signs. The risk of having such accidents happen can be reduced by consistent prevention and rational traffic management. In 2013, 81 people lost their lives in traffic accidents. 37 of them died because of the driver’s malicious actions and 18 because of criminal carelessness. A driver with criminal traffic behaviour drives drunk, at the wrong speed, does not use safety equipment, and drives carelessly and aggressively, without regard for others. These factors constitute the main reasons for serious traffic accidents, which can usually be contained only with harsh measures, such as revocation of driver’s licences or confiscation of vehicles.

People wear reflectors more Every year almost 1,700 people are injured in traffic accidents. An average of 400 pedestrians are hospitalised and 20–25 of them lose their lives. The majority of pedestrians are involved in accidents on city streets and urban roads with busier traffic, and in about half of the cases the injured parties are elderly people who fail to notice changes in traffic arrangement or cross the street in the wrong place. In 2013, 23 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic. Accidents at night time involved 14 pedestrians, only three of whom wore a reflector. In 2012, the number of pedestrian fatalities was 31, and only two of the pedestrians wore a reflector. The good news is, however, that according to a survey conducted by TNS Emor among pedestrians in the spring of 2013, the number of people wearing reflectors is increasing. 71% of children always wear a reflector at night

time, which is 7% up from the previous year. According to children, 60% of their parents wear a reflector always and 7% never wear one. In order to preserve lives during the darkest time of the year, the Police and Border Guard Board together with the Road Administration and insurance companies distributed this year over 300,000 reflectors and reflector vests, which should reach every fifth person in Estonia. In an innovative move, county bus line drivers are distributing reflectors to passengers who step out of the bus and onto the road at night time and continue their journey on foot.

Number of drunk drivers decreasing reluctantly For the first time in the past decade, there was one month in 2013 without any traffic fatalities, the month of March. The number of traffic fatalities dropped to below a hundred for the third time in the 21st century – 81 people died on the road. Traffic injuries are on the decline as well. This is no accident; we have persistent prevention work and improved traffic supervision (20% more drivers were inspected compared to the previous year) and new equipment to thank for this. Last year we tested an indicator device for detecting drug use Share of drunk drivers in trafﬁc convicted of criminal offense Share of drunk drivers in trafﬁc convicted of misdemeanour 0.67% 1.05%

2012

0.55% 0.74%

2013

Percentage of drunk drivers of all drivers inspected

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The Police and Border Guard Board, Road Administration and insurance companies distributed over 300,000 reflectors and reflector vests this year.

Photo: Mari Riina Rist/PPA

and began replacing old speed measuring devices with new video recording speed cameras. Although the number of traffic accidents caused by alcohol consumption and the share of drunk drivers are on the decline, we still come across these issues on a daily basis. While the percentage of drunk drivers of all inspected was 1.7% in 2012, it was down to 1.29% in 2013. In 2013, 25 people died because of a drunk driver. Half of the people who have caused a fatal traffic accident have been convicted for drunk driving in the past. Decreasing excessive alcohol consumption would thus have a very direct impact on the consequences of traffic accidents.

Injured persons Number of fatal trafﬁc accidents Casualties 2386 1865 1930 1501 1741 1349 1907 1487 1727 1385 1672 1341 132 101

101 80

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Number of people injured and killed in traffic 2008-2013

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

Photo: Priit Tuuna/PPA

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

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Last year we tested an indicator device for detecting drug use and began replacing old speed measuring devices with new video recording speed cameras.

There must be zero tolerance for offences caused by criminal behaviour. 2012 was the first year when the confiscation of vehicles was stepped up as a response to particularly serious traffic offences: 48 vehicles were confiscated that year and in 2013 already 117. This is strictly an extreme measure – for when all previous sanctions have been exhausted or when a person displays criminal traffic behaviour.

The use of videos and e-procedures speed up police work The goal for 2014 is to reduce traffic accidents through prevention efforts, more efficient traffic supervision and IT solutions. This year the Police and Border Guard Board completed the first phase of a project on electronic field procedures, which now enables police officers to fill out pre-filled electronic procedural documents right at the scene in the police vehicle. The second phase of the electronic field procedure, whereby data are forwarded from police vehicles to central systems, is launched in 2016, together with

the introduction of new electronic police devices. The summer of 2013 saw the approval of amendments to the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure, which now permit to use a video recorded offence as evidence in offence procedures; in addition, procedural documents, which previously had to be recorded on paper, can now be recorded in the same video evidence. This increases procedural quality and decreases doubt regarding the legality of offences. Video evidence was used already on 195 occasions in 2013. In 2014, video evidence will be applied in all traffic supervision units of the Police and Border Guard Board. Both technological solutions decrease the time spent conducting an offence procedure by almost half an hour, decreasing the average length of procedure to less than 20 minutes.

The network of speed cameras is expanding The four additional automatic speed cameras installed on the Tallinn-Haapsalu road last year recorded 250 offences only in their first week. This

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Fines issued to foreigners in Estonia are sent to other EU member states.

Loksa

Paldiski

Tallinn Keila

Maardu

Saue

Narva-Jõesuu

Kunda

Kohtla-Järve Sillamäe

Rakvere

Kehra

Kiviõli Püssi

Tapa

Narva

Jõhvi

Tamsalu

Rapla

Kärdla

Paide

Haapsalu

Mustvee

Jõgeva

Türi Lihula

Suure-Jaani

Kuressaare

Pärnu

Tartu

Viljandi

Sindi

Kallaste

Põltsamaa

Võhma

Elva

KilingiNõmme Mõisaküla

Räpina

Abja-Paluoja Karksi-Nuia

Põlva

Otepää

Tõrva

Valga

Antsla

Võru

Traffic cameras on Estonian roads

shows that speed cameras are indeed necessary and help to calm down traffic on dangerous road stretches. The expansion of automatic traffic supervision will continue this year as well, freeing police officers up to concentrate on monitoring the areas where speed cameras are not an option. In 2014, notices of speeding fines imposed in Estonia on foreign citizens will be sent to other European Union Member States, where necessary, and vice versa. This measure will motivate drivers to follow traffic rules everywhere in the European Union.

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Four additional automatic speed cameras were installed on the Haapsalu road last year.

PRIORITIES 1. PREVENTION POLICY AND REDUCTION OF DEATHS CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS

Photo: iStock

Combating serious hidden crime

Kristi Mäe Adviser of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Policy Department

Over 7.2 million euros of criminal income Law enforcement authorities cooperate in combating organised crime, exchanging information and supporting one another in seizing and confiscating assets. For example, the Criminal Assets Identification Office, established two years ago with the Criminal Police, employs investigators and accountants, who were joined last year by new officials and an analyst. The task of the Office is to detect criminal assets in the criminal cases of the Police and Border Guard Board and to cooperate with the Tax and Customs Board and the Security Police; for example, in 2013,

CCP Volume of detected criminal assets Number of criminal cases where criminal assets were seized

assets worth 4.3 million euros were seized in the criminal cases of the Tax and Customs Board. Last year, officials detected over 7.2 million euros of criminal income in a total of 163 cases. The seized criminal assets originated mainly from drug related crime, but tax crime, procuring prostitution and money laundering stood out as well. In 2013, a draft amendment to the acts of the Code of Penal and Criminal Procedure was passed, complicating the transfer of illegally obtained assets to friends and family and legalisation of criminal assets by mixing legal and illegal assets. Extended confiscation allows for confiscating all of a criminal’s assets when the person’s lifestyle and nature of the crime give reason to assume that the assets are of criminal origin. This principle can now be applied also to legal persons.

Combating corruption is improving The efforts of the Anti-Corruption Unit, established with the Central Criminal Police over two years ago, have significantly improved the rate of detecting crimes and seizing criminal assets. Last year the main corruption risks had to do with the use of funds by officials, supervisory activities in fulfilling non-proprietary tasks and conflicts of interests. Compared to the previous year, the number of cases transferred from the Anti-Corruption Unit to the pros-

E. PREF.

S. PREF.

W. PREF.

N PREF.

PBGB

1 102 924 €

181 917 €

505 769 €

204 025 €

1 224 166 €

3 218 802 €

118

178

Overview of criminal asset detection volumes 1

Source: Information Monitoring Department of the Ministry of the Interior

PRIORITIES

Drug trafficking, embezzlement of public funds, serious economic crimes, money laundering and the activities of organised criminal groups are complex offences, the prevention and successful detection of which will help prevent various related offences. The greater the risk of being caught, the more likely it is that these types of serious crimes will be prevented in the future. The more we manage to confiscate criminal income, the smaller the criminals’ eagerness to commit similar offences in the future. Furthermore, the stronger the image of the state, the better our ability to prevent crimes in general. The capability of the state in detecting organised crime thus plays a very important role.

2. COMBATING SERIOUS HIDDEN CRIME

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Last year, officials detected over 7.2 million euros of criminal income in a total of 163 cases. The seized criminal assets originated mainly from drug related crime.

PRIORITIES

2. COMBATING SERIOUS HIDDEN CRIME

22 ecutor’s office increased from 80 to 293, and assets were seized in the cases of crimes passed on to the prosecutor’s office in the amount of 237,371 euros. At the beginning of April 2013, an amendment to the Anti-Corruption Act entered into force, increasing public sector transparency by further specifying restrictions on the operations and activities of officials, and stepping up the efficiency of declaring interest by establishing a public register. The act provides the legal bases for preventing corruption in fulfilling public functions and liability for disregarding obligations and regulates the prevention of corruption.

Prevention of corruption It is also very important to raise awareness among the general public and officials, and in accordance

with the Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2013–2020, ministries have to cooperate in contributing to prevention work. The objectives of the strategy coordinated by the Ministry of Justice are to increase the transparency of decisions and actions, to develop the investigative capability of investigative bodies and to prevent corruption threatening national security. Raising awareness and preventing corruption is important both in the private and public sector. For this purpose, public sector employees will be offered ethics training and business operators will be invited to informative and interactive seminars on corruption. In addition, we are planning to introduce an anti-corruption work management system in law enforcement authorities, including relevant guidelines, sharing best practices and management training.

n addition to taking bribes, CORRUPTION involves influence peddling, inducing officials to make decisions based on personal interest, election fraud and opaque funding of

political parties, abusing trust, embezzlement of assets or other resources by exercisers of authority, abusing internal information, appointing official positions for a reward or based on personal relations, and unequal treatment on conducting procurements.

Corruption crime in the public sector causes great damage to the society, as in addition to generating material loss it also affects people’s trust in state authorities. Corruptive preferences in public procurement may compromise construction work, health care and the environment. Corruption is used to cover up other crimes – from traffic violations to drug trafficking and terrorism – and to hide criminally obtained resources and launder money. Political corruption may compromise even democracy and the rule of law. Corruption is closely related to theft and distortion of identity, abuse of market position, cartels and fraud. The most common corruption crime among national and local government officials is accepting gratuities and bribes regarding procedural decisions and public procurement. In addition, the number of cases involving influence peddling related to political corruption and the likelihood of committing competition crimes are also on the rise. 2013 was the year of electing local government councils, which was also reflected in the work load of the Anti-Corruption Unit. During the election period, the unit initiated eight criminal investigations into offences against freedom of election. Most of the procedures are connected to suspicion of bribery of electorate.

Corruption perceptions index In terms of assessing corruption awareness and combating corruption, it is important to follow the annual index of how corruption is perceived in society, calculated by Transparency International; Estonia’s index has moved from last year’s 32nd position to the 28th this year. Successful legislative drafting and criminal procedures are to thank here, but Estonia still has a lot of work to do in catching up

with the countries in the top spots. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 Spot

Country

Index 2013

Denmark

New-Zealand

Finland

Sweden

Norway

Singapore

Switzerland

The Netherlands

Australia

Canada

Estonia

Source: www.transparency.ee

Corruption threatening external, internal and economic security The competence of the Security Police Board in combating corruption has been further specified in recent years both in legislation and working meetings among agencies. The primary task of the Security Police is preventing corruption that threatens national external, internal and economic security and processing the detected cases as efficiently as possible. Special attention is paid to corruption in law enforcement and national defence. The focus is on combating corruption related to large scale foreign investments and public procurements and strategic decisions in the fields of infrastructure, energy,

2. COMBATING SERIOUS HIDDEN CRIME

Corruption in the public sector

PRIORITIES

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The most common corruption crime among officials is accepting gratuities and bribes regarding procedural decisions and public procurement.

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The number of cases involving influence peddling related to political corruption and the likelihood of committing competition crimes are on the rise.

transport, information and communication technology, defence industry and medicine. Coverage of these areas has improved in the past two years as the competences of the Security Police Board in investigating corruption crime have been extended.

Counter intelligence and the protection of constitutional order One of the main tasks, but also the most covert one of the Security Police Board is combating intelligence activities against the Estonian state. Hostile

intelligence activities against the Security Police were confirmed also in 2013. Vladimir Veitman was convicted of treason for regularly transmitting confidential information to Russian foreign intelligence while working at the Security Police Board. Only a year before that Aleksei Dressen, another Security Police official, had been convicted of the same crime. These cases show us that Russian special services have a sustained and active interest in the operations of Estonian security authorities, but also that Security Police are capable of catching traitors Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

PRIORITIES

2. COMBATING SERIOUS HIDDEN CRIME

in their own midst. Many events threatening internal security take place either completely or partly outside of Estonia. Transnational cooperation and constant exchange of information among security authorities can help minimise such risks.

25 Photo:iStock

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Russian special services have an active interest in the operations of Estonian security authorities, but Security Police are also capable of catching traitors in their own midst.

Threats originating from cyber-space are gaining importance in ensuring internal security. Cybercrime belongs to the domain of cyber security and the main body responsible for preventing and combating cyber-crime is the Police and Border Guard Board. In 2013, the prefectures were provided with cybercrime and digital evidence units. Both cyber-crimes and crimes committed by means of information technology were on the rise in 2013. According to preliminary statistics, 61 crimes of this nature were reported last year and 25 offences were sent to the prosecutor’s office. The damage caused by cyber-crime increases each year as the criminal groups operating in cyber space are often transnational, vaguely structured and extremely adaptable. This has given rise to virtual black markets where criminals are trading in stolen financial and virtual information as well as arms and drugs. As a large part of cyber-crime takes place outside one judicial area, it is of the utmost importance to keep developing new forms of international cooperation in the fight against cyber-crime. The aim of the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), established with the Europol in 2013, is to coordinate the operations of European Union Member States in this field.

PRIORITIES

Cyber security and cyber-crime

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61 cyber-crimes were reported last year and 25 offences were sent to the prosecutor’s office.

Photo: Marko Merzin

Strengthening rescue capability

Martin Lambing Adviser of the Rescue and Crisis Management Policy Department

Total number of national rescue units State rescue units with life-saving capabilities 81

2011

2013

Rescue capability in 2011 and 2013

Rescuers reach people faster In 2011, a rescue unit with rescue capability reached an accident scene in an average of 11 minutes and 20 seconds. By 2013, the average response speed improved significantly and is now 9 minutes and 40 seconds (compared to 9 minutes 32 seconds in Finland). Now we must maintain this speed consistently and find new ways to shorten the response time even more. When assessing the level of rescue services in terms of population density, fully manned rescue units could reach in 15 minutes 84% of Estonian population in 2011. As a result of the restructuring, Photo: Rescue Board

Rescue capability improved in 24 units One of our goals was to achieve constant rescue capability in 66 units, and in 2013 we came very close to that goal. Estonia now has 65 units with 24-hour rescue capability, with at least three rescuers on alert at all times and able to offer real assistance to people in case of a fire, traffic or water accident. Rescue capability did not improve immediately everywhere, of course; it required the willingness of rescuers to change jobs as well as hiring and training new staff.

PRIORITIES

In 2013, rescue capability reached its peak since the restoration of independence in Estonia. In order to save lives and contain the consequences of accidents, rescue units must be on full alert ensuring that help is at hand in case of fire, traffic or water accidents. Saving lives in accidents is possible only with fully manned units consisting of at least three rescuers who can smoke dive in case of a fire, save a person from a body of water or free an injured person from a vehicle. In 2011, rescue capability was always ensured in only half of the 81 rescue units. Only 41 professional rescue units were able to fulfil their main task – to be prepared to actually save lives in case of an accident. The Rescue Board had a very complex challenge: using the available resources, how to ensure that rescue workers could access as many people as possible. In May 2012, the necessary restructuring was carried out, nine units were closed and the rescuers there were transferred to other insufficiently manned units. Work began on establishing two new rescue units at Lasnamägi in Tallinn and in Annelinn in Tartu.

3. STRENGTHENING RESCUE CAPABILITY

PRIORITIES

3. STRENGTHENING RESCUE CAPABILITY

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In 2013, a rescue unit with rescue capability reached an accident scene in an average of 9 minutes and 40 seconds, which is 1 minute and 40 seconds faster than two years ago.

service coverage increased in more densely populated areas where the number of accidents is higher, and now rescue workers are 15 minutes away from 93% of the population.

Improved rescue capability, improved response speed of rescue units and decreasing fatal accidents show that the quality of rescue services has improved and that restructuring the units was called for. People need to know that the rescuers arriving at accident scenes are able to save lives. Today, most of the national rescue units are able to meet that expectation.

Decrease in the number of fatal accidents In 2011, 73 people were killed in a fire and 62 people drowned. In 2013, 47 people were killed in a fire and 56 people drowned. Improved rescue capability, in addition to efficient prevention, is certainly an important factor contributing to the decrease in fatal accidents. Rescue Board statistics show that 169 people were saved from fires and 33 people from drowning in 2013. The fact that the numbers of accidents and fatal accidents are falling and that many people have been saved at the same time is proof of the efficiency # of rescue units. National rescue units

Rescuers should be valued The next goal in rescue services is to concentrate on valuing the improved professional skills of rescue workers. Rescue work is becoming increasingly complex and extensive, technical equipment has been updated significantly and rescuers are also becoming more involved in conducting prevention work. This means that there is a need to update rescue workers’ professional skills and safety know how. Rescuers Loksa

and volunteer units

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No lives lost to explosives For the Rescue Board’s explosives removal centre, the most important achievement in 2013 was that no one died in an explosion of explosives in Estonia. However, the number of calls related to ammunitions of war was still significant. People still keep finding large quantities of ammunitions of war, and explosives removers deal with this issue on a daily basis – last year people found 3,569 explosives. As explosives are also found in bodies of water, the focus of recent years has been on improving preparedness for under water explosives removal.

can acquire the best professional skills in the Väike Maarja Rescue School of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, and it is important to start valuing those holding a professional certificate more. When planning rescue services, the contribution of volunteer rescue workers should also be taken into account. Professional and volunteer rescue units should form a network covering the whole of Estonia that cooperates in serving both densely populated and more remote areas.

Geographical Information System determines the location of people in need of help Last year we invested significant funds into improving the technical capabilities of rescue workers. In 2013, we acquired thermal cameras (pictured) and 69 rescue units will be provided with one (there are altogether 72 rescue units and in 2011, four units used thermal cameras). Thermal cameras allow the rescuers to locate victims in a smoky room ten times faster than before. We also complemented the equipment of rescue units with hydraulic devices (e.g. cutters) and telescopic rods (see photo on p. 27) in order to increase rescue capability in cases of traffic and water accidents.

We have conducted four campaigns to inform of the possibility to surrender explosives (in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013), and as a result the explosives removal centre has received almost 300 calls and people have surrendered large amounts of dangerous explosives. Last year, an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure entered into force decriminalising the voluntary surrender of an illegally owned firearm, explosive device or major part of one, ammunitions of war or explosives. The aim of prevention in the field of explosives removal is to inform people of how to respond when coming across ammunitions of war, and our main message is “Don’t touch a bomb!”

The Ministry of the Interior is also preparing to acquire a new aerial ladder to be put into use in 2015. The Ministry has also prepared an application for acquiring 83 new rescue vehicles (main trucks and tanks) using EU Structural Funds for the period 2014–2020. This would constitute the largest investment in the rescue field ever. In addition, we are planning to introduce this year the GIS 112 Geographical Information System in the Alarm Centre and Rescue Board rescue trucks, which will automatically determine the location of the persons in need of assistance. This innovative technical solution will certainly speed up the rescue units’ arrival at accident scenes.

3. STRENGTHENING RESCUE CAPABILITY

PRIORITIES

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

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Thermal cameras allow the rescuers to locate victims in a smoky room ten times faster than before.

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

Reducing narcotics related deaths and drug addiction

Naloxone syringes

Katri Abel-Ollo

Riina Raudne

Adviser of the Law Enforcement Adviser of the Strategy and Criminal Policy Department Department

White paper on reducing drug use Considering the seriousness of the drug epidemic, the Minister of the Interior convened in the spring of 2012 the Government’s drug prevention committee, where he is joined by the Minister of Education, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Social Affairs. The task of the committee is to monitor the work of different authorities in managing the damage resulting from drug use, covering the whole range from limiting supply to treatment and prevention. The drug prevention committee initiated work on a white paper on drug use reduction policy, which was completed last year and will constitute the basis for planning annual measures. The process of compiling the white paper on drug use reduction policy brought together all partners participating in the fight against drugs. They agreed

on a common vision and on jointly monitored indicators that depend on the efforts of all parties. When the committee is not in session, officials meet in working groups; this year, the working groups on treatment and re-socialisation and on reducing the supply of drugs have met on several occasions. Smaller meetings of officials allow the experts in specific fields to share information on an ongoing basis and to work towards common goals. Two of the most urgent objectives that the drug prevention committee is working towards and that are also featured in the National Health Strategy are reducing narcotics related deaths and preventing addiction among young people. The agencies of different ministries have devoted a lot of effort to these issues in the past year.

Less narcotics related deaths than in the previous year In 2012, 170 people died of a drug overdose. The final statistics of 2013 are yet to be published, but currently 109 deaths have been officially recorded. According to initial data of the Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 117 narcotics related deaths have been recorded. The final number of narcotics related deaths in 2013 will probably be roughly the same as in 2011, when 123 people lost their lives to drugs. The majority of narcotics related deaths in recent years have been caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl or its derivatives. Initial information provided by the Estonian Forensic Science Institute indicates that this was also the case in 2013, with methadone mixed with other substances following in second place as cause of death.

Drugs are harder to procure The reduction of the substance supply on the streets was a definite contributing factor for the smaller

PRIORITIES

In the years from 1999 to 2012, 1,118 people died of a drug overdose in Estonia; the statistic stands out among other European Union Member States by the high percentage of young people and especially men aged 15-39 years. The average age of persons who have lost their lives to drugs has increased in time. While the average age in 2002 was 24 years, it had increased to 31 years by 2012. According to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 85% of drug overdose deaths are related to fentanyl and 3 methylfentanyl and the victims are most likely long-term drug addicts. The aging trend of intravenous drug addicts was also confirmed in a recent study on risk behaviour by the National Health Development Institute. It revealed that in 2012 the average age of intravenous drug addicts was 30 years and that the average length of intravenous drug use was 11 years. Only about 8% had been injecting for less than three years.

4. REDUCING NARCOTICS-RELATED DEATHS AND DRUG ADDICTION

Female Male Total 7

13 120

15 108

Large quantities of fentanyl (pictured) were also confiscated. For example, in September the drug crime investigators of the North Prefecture confiscated half a kilogram of fentanyl from two major dealers, sufficing for 18,000 doses. As one dose costs 10 euros on the street, the value of the confiscated quantity would have been 180,000 euros. In the same week, the police intercepted 600 fentanyl doses from street dealers and confiscated criminal assets in the amount of 20,000 euros. The police also apprehended several fentanyl dealing street dealers in June and December, and conducted in December a successful Estonian-Finnish joint operation uncovering a criminal network, consisting of primarily Estonians, that mediated large quantities of drugs from Western Europe to Finland. In 2013, the police carried out six drug related street operations and apprehended 67 people suspected of drug crimes. The final amount of confiscated fentanyl is yet to be calculated, but finalised forensic examinations have recorded over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and 130 forensic examinations are still in progress.

18 152 170

133

123 101

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Source: register of causes of death 2012, National Health Development Institute

Persons who have died because of drug use 2008-2012

number of narcotics related deaths. One of the major priorities of the Ministry of the Interior in 2013 was to apprehend street dealers, and there were several extensive police operations throughout the year where street dealers and people suspected of processing large quantities of fentanyl were apprehended. Photo: Central Criminal Police

PRIORITIES

4. REDUCING NARCOTICS-RELATED DEATHS AND DRUG ADDICTION

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85% of drug overdose deaths are related to fentanyl and 3 methylfentanyl.

Weaker fentanyl doses One of the possible reasons for decreased deaths caused by drug use is the drop in the pure narcotic substance content in a fentanyl dose, i.e. that doses have decreased in strength. While in 2012, a gram of fentanyl contained an average of 6.6% of pure substance, the content was down to 5.3% over 11 months last year1. One of the reasons for the weakened fentanyl dealt on the streets is probably the success of the police in apprehending street dealers. In order to satisfy demand, the remaining dealers are probably forced to dilute substance doses, which means less overdoses and fatalities. 1

Statistics of the Estonian Forensic Science Institute

Jaan 2012 Veeb 2012 Mär 2012 Apr 2012 Mai 2012 Juun 2012 Juul 2012 Aug 2012 Sept 2012 Okt 2012 Nov 2012 Dets 2012 Jaan 2013 Veeb 2013 Mär 2013 Apr 2013 Mai 2013 Juun 2013 Juul 2013 Aug 2013 Sept 2013 Okt 2013 Nov 2013

Soure: The Estonian Forensic Science Intitute, 2013

Average concentration of fentanyl in one gram of substance (%)

According to preliminary data provided by the Tallinn Emergency Medical Service, the number of emergency calls involving drug addicts decreased somewhat in 2013 compared to the previous year. During the first nine months of 2013, the Tallinn emergency services received 651 calls involving drug addicts, which means that the monthly average is 72 calls. In 2012, a total of 1,054 similar calls were received in Tallinn, and the monthly average was 88 calls.

In addition to the measures aimed at reducing the supply of fentanyl, carried out by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs introduced at the end of 2013 a naloxone programme under its measures to prevent overdoses. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist drug, and the aim of the programme is to save the lives of people overdosed on opioids by administering naloxone and to provide emergency aid until the emergency services arrive. The naloxone programme is open for people who have received corresponding training. As at the beginning of 2014, relevant training and naloxone doses have been provided to 112 opioid users, their family and friends or service providers coming into contact with them. Naloxone has been used to save a life on 15 occasions. Hopefully, the programme will launch successfully and even more lives will be saved with the help of naloxone.

4. REDUCING NARCOTICS-RELATED DEATHS AND DRUG ADDICTION

Naloxone programme launched

8 7 6 5 4

Photo: Matti Kämärä/Põhjarannik

PRIORITIES

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The number of emergency calls involving drug addicts has decreased. In Tallinn, the monthly average of emergency calls involving drug addicts was 72 calls last year.

PRIORITIES

4. REDUCING NARCOTICS-RELATED DEATHS AND DRUG ADDICTION

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The final number of narcotics related deaths in 2013 will probably be roughly the same as in 2011, when 123 people lost their lives to drugs.

We can thus predict that if the apprehension of street dealers of fentanyl continues and the naloxone programme expands, drug overdoses should drop drastically in 2014 as well.

Prevention of drug use Managing the damage caused to society by drugs also requires reducing the demand for drugs in addition to curbing the sales of drugs. The most efficient method for this is treating drug addicts, which is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and in custodial institutions, the Ministry of Justice. The next best measure in decreasing damage caused by drug addiction is knowledge based prevention of drug use and addiction, which, if implemented skilfully, can decrease significantly the number of young people becoming addicted. In 2013, the Ministry of the Interior invested significant funds into prevention measures, but the impact of these investments can be assessed in 2014 when the results of relevant surveys are published. In late 2013, we launched an extensive media campaign for parents with the aim of informing parents of their role in drug prevention. The message of the campaign was that prevention should begin several years before children enter into puberty, and we also urged the parents to learn the skills for smart prevention. The campaign titled “Parents, don’t miss the right moment!” aired mainly in December and January, but we also used outdoor media, e-school and Facebook and also created the website tarkvanem.ee (smartparent.ee). The campaign will last three more years, and the aim is to achieve a substantial shift in the attitudes of parents in that time.

LAPSEVANEM, ÄRA MAGA MAHA ÕIGET AEGA! Varakult suitsule ja alkoholile seatud piirid peavad paremini.

tarkvanem.ee

In 2013, the Ministry of the Interior invested over 100,000 euros into several prevention projects that help to fill significant gaps in the prevention system. For example, the Ministry of the Interior supported a pilot project of the new evidence based programme against bullying in schools, KiVa, and is currently localising the sports programme Kickz from Great Britain, which organises together with sports leagues, local governments and the police sports practices in areas where children lack opportunities for recreation. We also plan to continue this programme in 2014.

Why is cider the favourite drink of teenagers?

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

I admit that not long ago the Ministry of the Interior’s current prevention campaign “Parents, don’t miss the right moment!” would have left me indifferent. I consider myself a caring parent and believe that if I raise my children the way my own parents raised me, they will grow into independent and thriving people, like myself. Why should a campaign tell me when I should address the issues of alcohol and smoking with my children? Does the Ministry of the Interior not have more burning issues to concentrate on? Today, I am glad that I was involved in organising this campaign. As a parent, I’ve grown smarter primarily thanks to two scientifically proven pieces of information. Firstly, alcohol affects the development of minors much more than we think. Secondly, young people today start experimenting with intoxicants already before puberty, that is 3-4 years before my generation did it. Thinking of my own children, aged 7 and 4 years, these two facts act like a time bomb, which I would like to start neutralising at once. I doubt that there are parents who would knowingly incite their children to start smoking, drinking or using drugs. However, parents may contribute to the use of intoxicants out of ignorance and thinking that alcohol has always been part of being a teenager like it was when they were teenagers! Many, and myself included until recently, think that drinking moderate amounts of wine, beer or cider as a teenager is okay. I believe that if we as parents considered children’s drinking to be as unacceptable as stealing, we would do everything to make sure that our children not even tried alcohol before reaching adulthood. We would take it upon ourselves to address the harmful effects of alcohol with our children early on, and we would make a deal with them that they would not experiment with alcohol before becoming an adult. Sounds utopian? Maybe, but not far from Estonia, in Iceland and Sweden, minors consume radically less alcohol. The longer term interest of also Estonian parents and the state should be creating a culture of alcohol where minors do not consume alcohol as a rule. This will certainly not happen overnight, but we can hope that by the time the target group of this campaign (children aged 6-10 years) are reaching adulthood, we can read from statistics that only every third 18 year-old has tried alcohol. But let us start by having a constructive discussion with our little ones – for advice and tips, go to tarkvanem.ee (smartparent.ee)!

Rasmus Rask Parent involved in the smart parent campaign

4. REDUCING NARCOTICS-RELATED DEATHS AND DRUG ADDICTION

PRIORITIES

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If we as parents considered children’s drinking to be as unacceptable as stealing, we would do everything to make sure that our children not even tried alcohol before reaching adulthood.

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

Involving volunteers in security

Eimar Veldre Chief specialist of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Policy Department

In March 2014, the post of the assistant police officer celebrates its 20th birthday. There have been ups and downs in these two decades, but in the past three years the lives of assistant police officers have certainly improved. More assistant officers are regularly taking part in police activities, all assistant police officers are ensured basic training, in service training and motivational events and the majority also have uniforms.

The Bronze Night no longer attracting volunteers The most important aspect of involving volunteers is their motivation. While the main attraction to join the police in 2007 and 2008 was the wish to take part in the exciting street patrols and to be prepared for a new Bronze Night, the motivation had changed by 2013. In 2013, the prefectures of the Police and Border Guard Board dedicated extra time to ask the volunteers about their wishes and expectations regarding their service. Many people who had been expecting a new Bronze Night or whose interests had changed and who had selected another field for volunteering decided to give up the status of assistant police officer. As a result, the number of assistant police officers dropped from almost 1,400 to 805. However, the results of a survey commissioned by the Police and Border Guard Board in the summer of 2013 indicate that there is a lot of interest in working as an assistant police officer. Of the survey respondents, 7% were willing to consider becoming an assistant police officer within a year. This means that there are about ten times more potential candidates than the current number of assistant police officers may indicate. It would be good to keep this in mind when planning the recruitment of assistant police officers this year.

The Ministry of the Interior together with the police aim to also reach people living further away from population hubs so that assistant police officers would be distributed more evenly throughout Estonia. Such a network would alleviate the problem of areas where assistance is not available as the emergency assistance provided by law enforcement volunteers approved by community representatives and the police would always be at hand.

Increased number of active assistant police officers Although the number of assistant police officers decreased, their working time increased to almost 72,000 hours in 2013, which is about 8,000 hours more than in 2012. This is comparable to the yearly work load of 45 police officers – so we could say that volunteers constitute an additional police station in Estonia. The increased activity of assistant police officers is directly related to improving the level of training. Last year, the Ministry of the Interior, the Police and Border Guard Board and the Defence League together organised the first training for assistant police unit commanders. A volunteer is considered an active assistant police officer when s/he has served at least one hour a year. While in 2011 the number of “activists” was 259, the number had increased to 598 by December 2013, and over half of them (257 people) had contributed to police work over 90 hours a year. In two police stations of the North Prefecture, a

Number of working hours Number of active of assistant police officers assistant police officers

2011

59 575

259

2012

63 932

526

2013

71 870

598 (11 months)

Active assistant police officers

PRIORITIES

Assistant police officers as providers of safety

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

police officer was also assigned the task of acting as unit commander for assistant police officers, which increased the contribution of volunteers at times even over 40%. We are planning to further analyse the experiences in Tallinn and unit commanding will be similarly reinforced in 2014 in other areas as well. There is, however, a need to increase the involvement of assistant police officers in police prevention work. In 2013, only 2,297 of the 71,870 working hours of assistant police officers were dedicated to prevention work. The Ministry of the Interior is currently drafting proposals on how to help increase the number of assistant police officers dedicated to prevention work among volunteers. In 2011, the NPO Estonian Assistant Police Officers’ Assembly was established with the aim of gather-

Photo: Rasmus Jurkatam

PRIORITIES

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

”

The working time of assistant police officers is comparable to the yearly work load of 45 police officers, so we could say that volunteers constitute an additional police station in Estonia.

ing the assistant police officers operating in Estonia, ensuring consistent development and quality of their skills and knowledge and sharing experiences and information. The association functioned as a circle of friends and acquaintances already before, and its founding members participated actively in the discussions on the Assistant Police Officer Act of 2010 in the Riigikogu. Today, the nation wide organisation has over 40 assistant police officers from all counties, and they partner with the Ministry of the Interior and the Police and Border Guard Board in elaborating the internal security development plan and the development trends in the work of assistant police officers, and naturally also in recruiting and training new assistant police officers.

Why am I an assistant police officer? I submitted an application to become an assistant police officer in 2007, as soon as I became aware of such a possibility. My main expectations were to be able to do something for the safety of my home, to gain new experiences and challenges and to be able to try my hand at something completely different from my day job. Once I entered the “field” after the initial training, I discovered that there was so much more to being an assistant police officer! I gained many good friends and acquaintances and found a place for continual self improvement and an opportunity to prove and challenge myself and to contribute to increasing security in the community. Security is something that we create for ourselves; no one does it for us. We do it willingly, out of a sense of duty!

Rasmus Lahtvee Assistant police officer in Tallinn City Centre Member of the board of the Estonian Assistant Police Officers’ Assembly Citizens’ Day badge of honour, 2013

Marko Põld Adviser of the Rescue and Crisis Management Policy Department

39 In 2013, volunteer rescue work took another step forward in Estonia. Today we have almost twice the number of certified volunteer rescue workers than in 2012 – the numbers being 640 and 1,281, respectively. For the first time, the number of voluntary rescue units exceeded 100 units, and the reserve rescue units of Tallinn and Western Estonia were joined by that of Tartu. Volunteers are also increasingly realising the importance of prevention work, and they contributed over 2,560 working hours to fire safety prevention in the first three quarters of 2013. Thanks to volunteer rescuers, help is ever closer to people. For example, in 2013, volunteer units were opened in Jaama in Ida Viru County, in Saverna and Põlgaste in Põlva County and in Võnnu in

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

Rescue work is a field where civic initiative and volunteering have long traditions and contribute significantly to ensuring a sense of security in the community and to a functioning national rescue system. Volunteer rescuers are beacons of security in the community and examples of safe behaviour. By contributing to prevention work, firefighting sport, youth work and communal traditions and by teaching family and community members about adequate emergency response, a volunteer rescuer also increases general security and fire safety. Because volunteers are very familiar with local circumstances, they can respond to accidents quickly and decrease or even prevent damage.

The number of certified rescuers doubled

PRIORITIES

Voluntary rescue work

PRIORITIES

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

”

Hopefully, by 2016 there will be 1,600 volunteer rescuers in Estonia and the number of volunteer rescue units of at least 12 members in assistance remote areas will be 36.

Volunteer rescue units offering rescue services under contracts 2010

Number of certified volunteer rescuers

2011

271

2012

640

105

1281

2013

*The certification requirement was introduced in the Rescue Act passed in 2010.

Certified volunteer rescuers

Tartu County – all are considered to be so called assistance remote areas that take over 15 minutes to reach by professional rescue units. Volunteer units were also established in Viru Nigula in Ida Viru County, in Valgjärve in Põlva County, in Meremäe in Võru County, in Ridala in Lääne County, in Orissaare in Saare County and in Saue in Harju County.

Development plan until 2016 prepared 2013 saw the completion of a strategic document in the volunteer rescue field “National development trends in volunteer rescue work 2013–2016”. The main aim of the strategy approved by the Minister of the Interior is to develop a nationwide volunteer rescue work network that joins together people from different walks of life and together with professional rescuers and other partners increases security in the society and promotes community culture. There is a need for more volunteer rescuers and more volunteer rescue units. The objective for 2016 is that Estonia should have 1,600 volunteer rescuers and the number of volunteer rescue units of at least 12 members in assistance remote areas should increase from the current 18 to 36. Existing units should be reinforced as well so that they could participate in prevention and rescue work more

efficiently. It is hoped that the volume of prevention work done by volunteer rescuers will increase from 2,829 hours in 2012 to 3,678 hours by the end of 2016. It is also planned to increase to 30% the share of volunteer rescuers who undergo at least 10 hours of the regular training of national rescue units and who are involved in solving rescue events.

Over a million euros a year for volunteers State financial support has increased significantly in recent years, reaching 938,874 euros in 2013 and 1,146,748 euros in 2014. Where possible, volunteers are also provided with equipment and other technical aids. 2011

332 473 euros

2012

540 500 euros

2013

938 874 euros

2014

1 146 748 euros

Funding for voluntary work (prevention and rescue operations)

In December last year, the Nõmme rescue unit launched the practice of joint professional and volunteer on call units that are open to certified volunteer rescuers who have undergone appropriate training and have also been granted the right to independent rescue work. We are planning to introduce a similar model elsewhere in Estonia as well.

”

The driver of the first car that stopped gave me a knife, and I cut loose the seatbelt so that the man inside the car could start moving himself.

In the morning of 15 December in Ruskavere Village in Jõgeva County, when I saw a car that had skidded off the road catching fire, I knew immediately that there was no time to be wasted. I stopped my car, called the Alarm Centre and asked for an ambulance and rescue unit. At the same time I ran up to the crashed car to see if anyone could be saved. After seeing that there was a person inside, alive, but with the seatbelt stuck and the car seriously deformed, I realised I would not be able to get him out of the car on my own and ran back to the road to try and stop a passing car. The driver of the first car that stopped gave me a knife, and I cut loose the seatbelt so that the man inside the car could start moving himself. At the same time, I noticed a truck approaching and ran towards it to make it stop. The driver grabbed his large fire extinguisher and ran to the car to put out the flames. Some moments later, I managed to stop two more trucks; the drivers also helped with their extinguishers and pulled the man out of the car. I was on the phone with the Alarm Centre this whole time. Good cooperation saved a life, and I thank everyone who came to help. If you notice a problem, step up and help as someone’s life may depend on it. If I had not been trained as a volunteer rescuer, I would not have been able to respond that fast. I therefore think that medical training should be provided already in high school. Considering that I arrived at the accident scene about two minutes after the accident and considering how quickly the car caught fire, it was a true miracle that the trapped man was saved.

Marek Tisler, Member of the Iisaku volunteer rescue unit

PRIORITIES

A volunteer helped save a person from a burning car

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

Volunteer maritime rescue

involved motorboats, yachts or sailboats, and many accidents happened also with people using a water board, dinghy, canoe, kayak or rowing boat.

In 2013, we responded to a total of 250 events at sea, 63 of which turned into rescue operations and the rest, 187, constituted incidents with rescue elements (firing a red rocket, etc.). A total of 487 people needed help at sea and in trans-boundary water bodies; 314 were rescued and 159 saved themselves. 14 people lost their lives in water accidents (7 in 2012) and nobody went missing. On the one hand, these figures speak of people’s increased interest in marine activity, but on the other hand, they remind the state ever more urgently of its duty to ensure efficient and functioning maritime rescue. Just like in previous years, the main reason for accidents in 2013 was the technical failure of water crafts. In about half of the cases, the accidents

Growing trust in volunteers

Photo: NGO Estonian Maritime Rescue Organisation

PRIORITIES

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

”

2013 was a significant year in the history of Estonian maritime rescue because volunteer maritime rescue units participated already as full members in the operations of the Police.

Volunteer maritime rescuers participated in a total of 31 rescue operations last year (in 2012, the number was 23) and 54 people were saved by the police and volunteers together. Volunteers also participated in four joint trainings and in many drills. In 2012, we established the legal bases for integrating volunteer maritime rescue into the national maritime rescue system, and last year we concluded 17 civil law contracts and ten letters of intent with volunteer maritime rescue associations. In fact, 2013 was a significant year in the history of Estonian maritime rescue because volunteer maritime rescue units participated already as full members in the operations of the Police and Border Guard Board under the coordination of the joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC). As operational cooperation began officially only in 2012, 2013 was the year when both the Police and Border Guard Board and the JRCC coordinators managing incident solution learned to trust volunteer maritime rescuers more. This year, we will fine tune cooperation even further and try to respond to events more accurately and faster. 131

178

242

215

250

2009

2010

2011

2012 2013

Search and rescue operations 2009–2013

”

Last year, we received information on 29 possible cases of pollution, and pollution was confirmed in 16 cases.

Decreasing marine pollution risk Last year, we received information on 29 possible cases of pollution, and pollution was confirmed in 16 cases (the numbers for 2012 were 33 and 20, respectively). In most cases, the trouble was caused by quickly evaporating petroleum oil products and residue intentionally dumped from vessels at sea that evaporated quickly due to environmental and climate impact. Estonia has concluded pollution control cooperation agreements with Finland and a corresponding agreement is currently being concluded with Latvia; pollution assistance can also be requested from the contractual partners of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Estonia has four specially equipped pollution control vessels for eliminating marine pollution and similarly equipped vessels of two contractual partners are also based in the Baltic Sea: the ice breaker Kontio and the tanker OW Copenhagen. For environmental monitoring purposes, we are using patrol flights and also the CleanSeaNet satellite monitoring offered by the European Maritime Safety Agency.

”

PRIORITIES

5. INVOLVING VOLUNTEERS IN SECURITY

Photo: NGO Estonian Maritime Rescue Organisation

In most cases, petroleum oil products were dumped from vessels at sea that evaporated quickly due to environmental and climate impact.

Photo: Peeter Sirge/PPA

Citizenship and migration policy

Ruth Annus Head of the Migration and Border Policy Department

The Aliens Act was updated

Number of temporary residence permits granted by reasons

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Family migration

1572

1380

1136

1063

1371

1255

1284

733

911

1063

941

1430

835

863

142

286

353

392

459

464

516

679

Foreign agreement

1436

1137

1050

976

838

639

624

Total

4065

3868

3769

3551

4307

3312

3504

Work Entrepreneurship Studies Legal income

The objectives of the action programme of the Government for 2011–2015 include the internationalisation of science and education, economic development, creating a favourable environment for highly qualified immigrants and reinforcing research and development centres. One of the ways to help achieve these objectives is to simplify the process of relocating to Estonia for top level specialists, scientists and university students who wish to contribute to the development of Estonian economy, science and education. To this end, over 30 different partners cooperated last year in drafting an amendment to the Aliens Act. According to this amendment, top level specialists, scientists and university students may come to Estonia with a visa, start working or studying here and then have the possibility to relocate here permanently for the same purpose by applying for a residence permit here in Estonia. Foreigners who relocate to Estonia in such a manner can be accompanied by their spouses, children who are minors and adult children in need of assistance.

*reason invalid since 01/07/2012

Trends in legal migration

PRIORITIES

A well functioning citizenship policy is viewed in Estonia as one based on the understanding that citizenship acquired at birth is a right and that granting citizenship to a non-citizen is a privilege that entails a relationship of trust with the state in the form of both rights and obligations. This presupposes that a citizen cultivates a responsible attitude towards the state and acts in a law abiding manner. According to the Constitution, an Estonian citizen has an obligation of loyalty and national defence towards the state, while having the right to live here and be protected by the state while in both Estonia and foreign countries. Estonian citizenship and migration policy is based on the precepts of preserving the nation state and protecting public order and security, while also being guided by the common policy of the European Union. These values and principles are consolidated into concrete action under legislation, the coalition agreement and the action programme of the Government.

6. CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION POLICY

”

An undertaking may employ foreign top level specialists who add the most value to Estonian economy at once, provided that the undertaking pays the employee at least twice the Estonian average salary.

PRIORITIES

6. CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION POLICY

Photo: Peeter Sirge/PPA

Top level specialists may start working at once An undertaking may employ foreign top level specialists who add the most value to Estonian economy at once, provided that the undertaking pays the employee at least twice the Estonian average salary, that the undertaking has invested in the amount of at least 65,000 euros, that its annual return on sales is 200,000 euros or that its employees are paid at least five times the Estonian average salary. Once the necessary requirements have been met, the employer just has to send a digitally signed notification of the recruitment of the top level specialist to the Police and Border Guard Board, and the foreigner may assume the post in question. The Police and Border Guard Board will carry out a follow up

check on whether the undertaking and the foreigner meet all the requirements provided by law. Both the Estonian state and institutions of higher education have made efforts to internationalise higher education more, and the percentage of international students has indeed increased. While 516 foreigners were granted a student residence permit in 2012, last year the number was already 679. The former restrictions on working while studying were abolished, and now the only requirement for holding a residence permit is progress in studies. The amendments to the Aliens Act entered into force on 1 September 2013, and since then already eight foreign top level specialists have been issued a residence permit. In the autumn, we began work

â&#x20AC;?

As the Vietnamese illegal immigration route via the Baltic States was closed in 2013, they have now started using the routes of Belarus-Lithuania and Belarus-Poland.

â&#x20AC;&#x192;As a result of operations to control the Vietnamese illegal immigration, the Russian, Belarusian, Estonian, Lithuanian and Polish border guards apprehended last year over 30 transporters and organisers, half of whom were either Estonian citizens or residents. As the Vietnamese illegal immigration route via the Baltic States was closed in 2013, they have now started using the routes of Belarus-Lithuania and Belarus-Poland.

Cases Persons 35

2007

40 57

2008

61 134

61 109

2009

2010

A single detention centre established 82 132

149 293

128 267

2011

2012

2013

As illegal aliens can also flee or obstruct their return to their country of origin, Schengen countries also have the right to detain persons. This is an extreme measure used only by permission of the administrative court in case of serious suspicion of absconding and for as short a term as possible. The Vietnamese immigration also doubled the average occupation size of our detention centre: while in 2012, an average of 18 aliens were held in the detention centre, last year the number was 36.

Illegal immigration As the European Union has been under increasing pressure for immigration in the past decades, illegal entries into Estonia have also been on the rise. Last year, however, the number decreased: while in 2012, 293 illegal immigrants were apprehended, last year the number was 267. â&#x20AC;&#x192;The majority of illegal immigrants last year were citizens of the Russian Federation (65) and Vietnam (58). The Vietnamese illegal immigration to Estonia began in 2011, and the persons usually entered through areas between points of entry with the purpose of using Estonia as a transit country on their way to Poland.

Harku Expulsion Centre. Photo: Reelika Riimand/PPA

Cases of and persons involved in illegal migration 2007-2013

PRIORITIES

on the second phase of amendments to the Act, which we are planning to present to the Riigikogu in the second half of this year. Making Estonia more attractive for top level specialists and scientists also requires creating an attractive social and economic environment, an appropriate adaptation programme, a support network and a generally friendly attitude.

6. CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION POLICY

Pursuant to the amendments to the Obligation to Leave and Prohibition on Entry Act, entered into force on 1 October, the former illegal alien expulsion centre and the initial reception centre for asylum seekers were merged into one single detention centre with the Police and Border Guard Board (pictured). This is a resource efficient and humane solution enabling, where needed, to detain persons in a single location regardless of changes in their legal status. In accordance with the action programme of the Government for 2011–2015, planning a new detention centre at the Tallinn Prison has begun.

Asylum granted in fewer cases

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2002

2005

2004

ese citizens. Other countries represented in greater numbers were Syria (17 persons), Russia (14), Georgia (9) and Pakistan (8). Although the number of first asylum seekers has increased, international protection has been granted to fewer people. In 2012, Estonia granted international protection to 13 people, but to only 7 in 2013. The increased percentage of refusals indicates that increasingly often the aliens submitting asylum applications do not need protection. An asylum application is often presented in order to avoid expulsion when border control or migration surveillance reveals that the person in question has entered the country illegally or has stayed here longer than allowed. In such cases, people often do not have identification or it is forged. There are also cases where persons try to conceal their identity and origin in order to avoid being sent back to their country of origin.

2003

2001

Last year the number of asylum seekers grew: while in 2012 the number of first asylum applications was 77, last year it increased to 97. In 2012, the majority of applications were submitted by Georgian citizens, and last year by Vietnam-

1997 2000

PRIORITIES

6. CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION POLICY

”

Although the number of asylum seekers has increased, international protection has been granted to fewer people; it has decreased from 13 people to 7 people.

Number of asylum seekers 1997-2013

Persons granted international protection 2000-2013

”

Estonians are very warm and friendly with foreigners, they are curious and ask questions about Indian culture.

My journey to Estonia began with my interest in writing my Doctoral thesis on genetics. As genetics research is strong in Estonia, I became a doctoral student at the University of Tartu and a researcher in the Estonian Biocentre in the fall of 2007. Applying for a residence permit was fairly easy, as Estonia has an embassy in New Delhi. As the formalities took a little longer than I had anticipated, I remained in India for the first semester. I like living in Tartu; it is a small and cosy university town that has become almost a second home for me. My family is here, my son was born here; I have lovely friends, and there is even a small Indian community with whom I love to spend time after work. As I was sufficiently aware of cultural differences, I knew what to expect. Estonians are very warm and friendly with foreigners. Some are also very curious and ask questions about Indian culture and the way of life halfway around the world. I have not had to worry about the language barrier as most university courses were in English. Whenever I try to speak in Estonian, people are very encouraging and supportive. The only time I feel helpless because of language is when Estonian children want to talk to me and express their feelings. Then I do not always know how to respond. People in Estonia are slightly introverted, and it takes time for them to open up. Once they get to know you, they are warm and friendly. When it comes to doing in depth research, the working environment is ideal here. I have learned how to develop myself and keep in shape profession wise. All good things come to those who wait. The same goes for Estonia. This country is small, but beautiful. I love to hike, roam around in the forest and breathe fresh air. I cannot wait for the summer already! Estonian winter was scary at first, but I have adapted. My family and I have experienced new things here as well such as mushrooming, hiking in the moors and picking berries. Wild strawberries are my favourite, but you cannot find them in India! And of course Saaremaa, which I love more than anything! All these experiences would have been impossible without advice and help from our Estonian friends. I really like it here!

Chandana Basu Mallick, Doctoral student in evolution biology at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology of the University of Tartu Researcher at the Estonian Biocentre

PRIORITIES

My favourites: wild strawberries and Saaremaa Island

6. CITIZENSHIP AND MIGRATION POLICY

Photo: Viktor Abramson /Eastern Rescue Centre

High quality and sustainable management of internal security

Opening of the Police and Rescue Station in Narva

Riho Kuppart Deputy Secretary General for Resources

People – the greatest asset As the majority of internal security services must be available at all times, the requirements regarding the working environment and work equipment are very strict. At the same time, when planning development we must keep in mind the country’s economic situation, salary increases of employees and departmental reduction. Domain managers and specialists must keep finding smart and efficiency oriented solutions as compromises in terms of the quality, results or impact of work are not feasible. Finding and holding on to top level specialists is becoming increasingly important. In addition to salary, dedicated employees are also motivated by an interesting specialty, clear objectives, constructive colleagues, modern working conditions and smoothly functioning work equipment. The most important asset in internal security are our people. Compared to 2012, our average number of employees decreased by 0.7% last year, i.e. by 59

employees. At the same time, the average salary in the field increased by 7%, reaching 1,088 euros a month.

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences is a dream employer New people enter the field of internal security mainly through the Academy of Security Sciences where managers and employees have in recent years intensified their focus on increasing quality, a trend begun already in 2007. To name a few facts confirming this: in 2012, the Academy was the first institution of higher education in Estonia to be accredited internationally for seven years; the Academy received the grand prix of the Nordic quality innovation competition and in January 2014, the Academy was declared dream employer in Estonia. In 2013, the Academy of Security Sciences adapted its organisation of studies to the requirements of the higher education reform and is currently preparing for applying the vocational education reform. This year, the Academy will analyse how public defence education could take the labour market situation and the needs of institutions into consideration even more. One of the objectives of the action programme of the Government for 2011–2015 is to improve law enforcement education and to consider transferring the Academy of Security Sciences to Ida Viru County. On 19 April last year, the Ministry of the Interior presented to the Cabinet the plans of a potential new location for the Academy and was instructed by the Cabinet to continue with the analysis of the potential location. A further analysis (including a financial and action plan) is being prepared in order to make sure that establishing the Academy in Ida Viru County would ensure the high quality functioning of this internationally recognised educational, research and development centre in the field of internal security.

PRIORITIES

The internal security field in the area of government of the Ministry of the Interior is one of the most complex and largest organisations in Estonia. The almost 9,200 employees in the field offer 231 public services providing security and 42 supporting internal services. The field has in its use all over Estonia almost 400 registered immovables with a total area of 302,647 m2, 7,200 computerised work stations, 171 information and communication technology systems, 1,916 land vehicles, 100 water crafts and 7 aircrafts. Added to this are numerous specific devices allowing for modern police and rescue work. The internal security budget increased by 11.5% last year, reaching 315.4 million euros. The largest portion of the budget, 79.4%, is dedicated to labour and management costs reaching 224.6 million euros in 2013.

7. HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY

PRIORITIES

Photo: Rescue Board

7. HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY

”

The average age of the 1,916 land vehicles used in internal security is 7.7 years, and over one fifth of the vehicles are over ten years old.

PÄRNU

Project for the joint offices of the police, rescue, Security Police, the Ministry of the Interior’s Information Technology and Development Centre (SMIT) and Alarm Centre (to be completed in 2016)

VÕRU

Joint police and rescue station (to be completed in 2015)

TALLINN Construction of the facilities for the data centre of the area of administration of the Ministry of the Interior (to be completed in 2015) PAIDE

Renovation of the house of detention (to be completed in 2015)

NARVA

Construction of the storage facility for findings, physical evidence and other stored property (to be completed in 2015)

Internal security real estate projects initiated in 2014

Over 21 million euros invested in real estate The most important material asset in the internal security field is real estate, and last year we invested there 1.9 million euros together with State Real Estate Estonia. The planned real estate investments for 2014 reach 21.3 million euros. Last year, we completed the joint police and rescue station in Narva and a flying squad hangar in Kuressaare. This year we will complete the joint stations of the Rescue Board and Alarm Centre in the Lasnamägi district in Tallinn and in the Annelinn district in Tartu, which is a requirement for introducing the single emergency number 112 as of 1 November this year. We are also completing the police station in Keila and next year the unit station on Vormsi Island and the joint police and rescue station in Häädemeeste. We will also continue with preparations regarding the IT Agency building, the Tallinn Prison (new house of detention and expulsion centre) and the

Smaller number of vehicles, updated selection The average age of the 1,916 land vehicles used in internal security is 7.7 years, and over one fifth of the vehicles are over ten years old. Last year, the number of land vehicles decreased by 68 and some of the vehicles were replaced. As a result, the average age of vehicles decreased by one fifth and average mileage increased by 16%. In order to better manage our means of transportation, we introduced a single information system, called “Vehicle”. This year we will continue analysing the usage effectiveness of transportation assets in order to bring the vehicles more in line with service needs and economic means. We will also prepare a long-term strategy of transportation assets where we will agree on their optimum composition and on a replacement and financing plan. Where possible, we will continue updating our vehicles. The most important procurement of 2014

will be contracts for providing rescue workers with six aerial ladders costing a total of 3.3 million euros (the trucks will arrive in 2015). Aerial ladders are used for rescuing victims from buildings at least three stories high. We currently have five aerial ladders, and three of them are over 40 years old.

Changes in ICT management There have been significant information and communication technology changes in the internal security field and numerous new modern solutions have been introduced. The work has become faster, more convenient and effective, also having an added positive impact on our clients. Five years ago, the Ministry of the Interior established its own Information Technology and Development Centre (SMIT), which helped eliminate overlapping in the area of administration and improve the quality of services. We have, however, had numerous serious problems with the reliability of systems and the completion of development projects in due time and within the established budgets. To solve these issues, we began restructuring the SMIT’s management, struc-

PRIORITIES

Piusa border guard unit, and with detailed planning work so that work on new joint stations in Sillamäe, Kohtla Järve and Kiviõli can begin in 2016–2017.

7. HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY

Photo: Viktor Abramson /Eastern Rescue Centre

”

Last year almost 2,000 computers were replaced that had been acquired before 2009 and whose software did not allow for effective use of new applications.

”

The main objective for 2014 is to improve the reliability of information technology solutions.

PRIORITIES

Photo: Mairi Zernand-Kirs/PPA

7. HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY

ture and services. We replaced top level management and the number of managers decreased from 28 to 24. As a result, institutional cooperation has improved significantly, specialists are more familiar with the primary domains and planning of work has also become clearer. The restructuring will continue in 2014. We have also changed the principles of planning information and communication technology development projects, whereby the solutions are discussed in more detail with the contracting entity, which also allows for a better estimation of their costs. This helps us make smarter decisions on whether it is rational to carry out a development project in the planned manner and if so, a high quality project will save both time and money.

ICT hardware and software updated Several critical incidents in 2013 confirmed the need to continue work on decisions that had been postponed before. Our oldest computers as well as the hardware of data centres were over eight years old, and could not ensure the necessary reliability for providing internal security services. As such, we replaced last year almost 2,000 com-

puters that had been acquired before 2009 and whose software did not allow for effective use of new applications. The main objective for 2014 is to improve the reliability of information technology solutions. We thus began constructing a new data centre and are improving the systems for monitoring the functionality of services. We will continue organising the record keeping systems of assets and analysing their effectiveness so that computers and information technology solutions would meet work related needs better and function reliably. We are currently preparing a long-term strategy of internal security assets where we will agree on their optimum composition and on a replacement and financing plan. We will also be focussing on raising awareness among service users and contributing to achieving the objectives of the Information Society Strategy.

Projects financed by the European Union On 9 April, we launched successfully the so called second generation Schengen information system SIS II, which involved developing 14 information systems

In 2013, the European Union ISEC programme approved the project on processing passenger name record data, which contributes to the fight against terrorism and serious crime. The project’s budget is 5.5 million euros, of which the European Commission contributes about 5 million euros. The project will be carried out in 2014 and 2015 in cooperation with the Tax and Customs Board, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and airline companies.

We would not have even dreamt of a helicopter! The Kuressaare border guard unit has its first very own “home” in the period since Estonia restored its independence. Until now, our unit had to spend 20 years in unfit facilities so that the unit management was based in Kuressaare, and the border guards worked 6 km away in the harbour. This is not to mention that the unit’s equipment was scattered around here and there, wherever there was some room. The new building is functional and houses both the personnel and unit equipment. Equipment maintenance can also be done here. We can now plan the whole service more effectively and respond to events more promptly. In addition to our own watercrafts, those of Pärnu and Kärdla can also pass the winter here. Thanks to support from the External Borders Fund, our unit building also houses a helicopter hangar. This is certainly something that we would not have dared to even dream about. Now we are able to respond almost immediately to events that previously required ordering a helicopter from Tallinn. Our service dogs also have much better conditions now, and one of the best kennels in Estonia certainly knows how to enjoy it!

Tanel Nuut, Head of the Kuressaare border guard unit

7. HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL SECURITY

in the area of administration of the Ministry of the Interior. The project was led by the European Commission, and it was the largest information technology development project in our field up to date. SIS II is a replacement measure for the abolishment of border control, helping Member States track fugitives and stolen objects. The European Union initiated the 2.7 million euro project already in 2003, but it was actually carried out in the period from 2011 to 2013.

PRIORITIES

”

Thanks to a helicopter hangar, we are now able to respond almost immediately to events that previously required ordering a helicopter from Tallinn.

IMPLEMENTATION of the

Photo: Mari Riina Rist/PPA

“Main guidelines of Estonia’s security policy until 2015“ in 2013.

Stronger sense of security

8. People’s fear of falling victim to assault in public places has decreased. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

8.1. The public will be notified

Preventive activities are performed on the basis of the annual plan. Priority is given to the areas

of the places and times where

where it is possible to reduce the number of dead or injured victims – traffic, addictive sub-

and when people are at a risk of

stances, violence.

falling victim to assault, as well

In 2013, law enforcement officers published a total of 1,574 media articles and statements on

as the individuals’ opportunities

the prevention of various offences (1,715 in 2012).

to contribute to public security. 8.2. The visibility of the police

The average number of law enforcement patrols on duty in 2013 was 92.5 (92.48 in 2012).

as the general law enforcement

In 2013, the police had to resolve 160,339 cases of police emergencies. The response time in

authority on patrol in public

2013 was longer than in 2012. Response to 7.18% of B Category police emergencies was slower

places will be enhanced and

than 40 minutes (4.2% in 2012), response to 10.85% C Category police emergencies was slower

quick response to police emer-

than 40 minutes (3.8% in 2012).

gencies guaranteed.

The results of the opinion survey conducted in the early summer showed that the average satisfaction with the activities of the police has remained at the same level – 70%.

8.3. The analysis-based patrol

The patrol simulation model work was continued. Development of resource models for county

work system will be enhanced

police and regional police was started, which will help to calculate the resources necessary for

in the police authorities, so as

response to police emergencies. In 2014 preparation for the county police reform and changes in

to put the resources allocated

division of tasks of the criminal procedure will be carried out.

to law enforcement into maximum use in ensuring public security. 8.4. Effective cooperation

160 local government units had committees focused on security in 2013 (162 in 2012).

networks will be established on

The number of commissions has decreased as in 2013 18 local governments were united,

the local government level for

replaced with seven new local governments.

engendering law-abiding behaviour among risk groups.

In smaller rural municipalities, which have not formed committees, preventive social work is performed through various cooperation networks that also involve regional police officers.

59 9. The number of offences against people will be reduced, while special attention will be paid to reducing the number of manslaughters and murders as well as offences against minors Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

9.1. Media campaigns will be

Prevention work aimed at combating violence among the age group of 5-19 years of age reached 11

conducted for drawing public

percent, which is 9% more than in 2012. For example, such projects as “Museum hour in class”, “own

attention to the problem of

and alien”, Report bullying at school – Stop school violence!”, “With word and action” and “Phoenix” were

school violence and violence in

carried out.

personal relationships, and the

More attention with respect to violence prevention was turned to adults, training and information days for per-

measures for preventing such

sonnel of child care institutions and parents were organised (650 people were reached in 2012, 2,755 in 2013).

problems.

Upon initiative of the Police and Border Guard Board in cooperation with other agencies network training was organised in 2013 in Jõgeva County, Hiiu County, Lääne County and Lääne-Viru County. The target groups of the training included police officials, prosecutors and workers in the area of victim help, education, social issues, child protection and healthcare. Also, officials of the Police and Border Guard Board performed training of students of Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, healthcare workers and young workers of the counselling centre in the field of violence in personal relationships. Upon initiative of the Ministry of Justice in Pärnu County, three training sessions took place as part of the family violence network pilot project. Information materials were ordered and distributed among victims of violence in personal relationships (10,000 copies in Estonian and Russian languages). Thanks to the information activities, the number of reports of violence in personal relationships to the police has increased.

9.2. The cooperation between

The Police and Border Guard Board took part in the European Commission project EE-SIC II, which

officials involved in protecting

provides training to officials communicating with children and supports the activities of the youth

minors will be enhanced.

panel (www.targaltinternetis.ee). The police worked closely together with social workers and child protection officials in the form of various round tables and information days, as well as based on specific events, for example notification of cases of close relationship violence involving minors. The Police and Border Guard Board and officials of the prosecutor’s office studied the work performed in other states within the framework of the project “More child-friendly justice system as exemplified by best European practices”. The Ministry of the Interior submitted proposals for amendments to the Police and Border Guard Act and the Law Enforcement Act, so that the police could take a timely decision to take the child in danger to a safe place.

9.3. Support to non-profit

The support person service project for persons detained in a house of detention was carried out with

associations, which offer social

respect to the persons who got there due to drug-related offences or offences committed under drug

programmes, will be enhanced.

intoxication. 51 persons joined the support person service. The number of the sectors of neighbourhood watch, school watch and kindergarten watch has grown, with 1,132 registered sectors as at the end of 2013 (1,089 in 2012).

10. More efficient integration activities reduce tensions between different nationalities.. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

10. More efficient integration

In 2013, work was continued to speed up and improve the organisation of the naturalisation

activities improve the unity of

process. The activities launched in February 2008 were continued in informing the parents of

Estonian society.

children of undetermined citizenship of the possibilities of applying for Estonian citizenship for their child by simplified procedure. Since November 2011, there is an automated data exchange between the Police and Border Guard Board and the Population Register via the X-tee system. If a child has not obtained Estonian citizenship upon birth, the parents are sent a letter from the Police and Border Guard Board informing them of the need to register a legal basis for their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residence in Estonia and explaining the possibilities of applying for Estonian citizenship for their child. A total of 852 such notices were sent to parents in 2013. The service offices of the Citizenship and Migration Bureau at the Prefectures of the Police and Boarder Guard Board provide information on a constant basis, explaining to all the persons of undetermined citizenship the possibilities for application for Estonian citizenship. The number of people of undetermined citizenship living in Estonia on the basis of the right of residence or a residence permit has decreased and continues to decrease steadily. According to the data of the Police and Border Guard Board, the number of persons of undetermined citizenship living in Estonia on the basis of a valid residence permit or the right of residence as of 1 January 2014 was 91,288, of whom 1,086 were children under the age of 15. From September until December of 2013, a total of 264 persons took part in seven training sessions and one information day within the framework of the subject programme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indications of violent radicalism and terrorism and possibilities for early interferenceâ&#x20AC;?. The training helped to understand cultural differences and management of conflicts resulting from them that can pose danger to state security. Participants of the training included patrol policemen, regional constables, field officers, officials of the migration supervision service and border guards involved in field work.

Improved traffic safety

11. The number of fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents as well as related property damage will be reduced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

11.1. The police authorities will

In order to enhance effectiveness of traffic control, in 2013 the police received 13 radar detector detectors.

be equipped with an optimum

On 31 December, the contract was concluded with OÜ Eurosec for procurement of six laser speed

number of speed measuring

measurement devices with video features.

equipment and evidential alcohol breathalysers.

In order to ensure safety of road users at the scene of an event, 18 sets of electronic road signs were purchased. In order to show preventive traffic-related videos, 20 monitors for police vehicles were purchased. In order to ensure quality of evidence and for proving breach of requirements for the use of safety equipment and breach of traffic lights, three sets of mirror cameras were purchased.

11.2. Automatic traffic surveil-

Contracts were concluded for installation of 13 speed camera substations and 8 speed measuring

lance systems (above all, speed

systems on national roads in Harju County.

cameras) will be implemented.

On 23 December, four new speed cameras started to operate on the Tallinn-Ääsmäe-Haapsalu road. In 2013, the traffic procedure service of the Police and Border Guard Board sent 60,696 fine notifications.

11.3. The legislative base for

In order to ensure data exchange related to traffic violations with other Member States of the

ensuring traffic safety will be

European Union, the draft act for amending the Traffic Act and the Code of Misdemeanour

updated.

Procedure was prepared. The draft act for amending the Traffic Act and the Law of Property Act is being approved. At the beginning of 2014, an amendment to the Traffic Act and the State Fees Act entered into force, abrogating the requirement to pay state fee when applying for technical information concerning vehicles through the extended inquiry from the Road Administration. This enables finding out the history of a vehicle and to reduce the number of cases of fraud related to the purchase or sale of a vehicle.

11.4. The legislative base will be

No activities were carried out in 2013. The activities are covered in the Estonian

established in order for insurers

National Traffic Safety Programme Activity Plan until 2015.

to be able to take the traffic offences committed by road users into account in establishing the personal insurance payment of these offenders.

12. Traffic culture will be improved. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

12.1. The measures for

Traffic supervision and safety related information activities were based on the special traffic

informing the public of traffic

supervision media plan, which was in accordance with the various campaigns and activities of

related risks and the methods

the Road Administration and Operation Lifesaver Estonia (railroad safety).

for hedging these risks will be

Extraordinary notice was given to changes in weather conditions and danger elements on the

enhanced.

roads. Information activities also conveyed the necessity of using reflectors, light traffic protection equipment (helmets and protective gear) and safety equipment. Traffic-related information was presented in mass media within the framework of preventive activities 31 times, including ETV, “Reporter” program on Kanal 2, Kuku radio, Lõunaleht and web page of the Road Museum. On the internal speakers in the stores of Harju County, reflector-related sound clips were played, and in order to reduce traffic accidents involving the elderly, a traffic-related video clip was produced that was shown in monitors in the Swedbank branch offices.

12.2. The involvement of

Involvement of citizens included the media, announcements made by spokespersons, the web

citizens in the ensuring of

pages with traffic information of the Police and Board Guard Board and the Road Administration,

traffic safety will be increased.

Facebook and the traffic hotline. Through Kanal 2 and TV3, the residents were informed of the possibility to provide information to the traffic hotline and articles with regard to this subject were published in Postimees and county papers, the information was shared via Facebook, web page of the police and web pages displaying traffic information www.liiklus.ee and www.liiklusliin14900.ee. In 2013, 106 volunteers were involved in preventive work related to traffic safety, among other contributing to traffic surveillance at the beginning of the school year at road intersections and pedestrian crossings located near educational institutions.

12.3. Traffic safety-related

Preventive activities related to traffic safety directly reached 18% of children aged 5-19. The age

instruction in kindergartens and

group of 6-9 years of age i.e. students of junior school were paid the most attention to, including

basic schools will be improved.

participation of children in different projects (“Little survivor”, “Mini SOS”, “Haabersti traffic ace”, “My road to school”) where they were given general advice on safe participation in traffic, and the police gave traffic ABC books of the Road Administration to every 1st grade student. At the same time, training was organised at the level of basic school with regard to bicycle and moped-related topics (projects “With competence about traffic”, “Be visible”, “I ride a moped safely”) and for students of secondary schools with regard to prevention of risk behaviour caused by alcohol (projects “Clear picture!”, “Kaspar”, “Safely here and there”, “Every 1 safely to 12th grade”).

Improved fire safety

13. The number of fatalities and injuries caused by fire, as well as the related proprietary damage will be reduced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

13.1. The measures for

Availability of an autonomous smoke detector in residential rooms has become mandatory from

informing the public of the

1 July 2009. After that, we continued informing the residents in order to increase awareness of

necessity and the mandatory

the necessity of a smoke detector and mandatory obligation to have one. According to a survey

nature of autonomous smoke

commissioned by the Rescue Board, 88% percent of households had smoke detectors in 2013

detectors in residential space.

(including 90% of Estonian speaking and 83% of Russian speaking households. The message of the fire safety-related media campaign carried out in 2013 was “Inspect the smoke detector at least once a month and help your relatives to do that as well.” According to the interviews performed after completion of the campaign, the operating condition of the smoke detector was controlled by 53% of Estonia’s residents (10% growth compared to the preliminary survey). Among the Russian speaking residents, the rate of equipment with a smoke detector is smaller (by 7% according to the survey performed in 2013). Noticeability of the campaign in Russian language was 84% among the Estonian speaking residents and 72% among the Russian-speaking residents.

13.2. Establishment of the

The relevant amendment of the law has not been initiated. The impact analysis showed that

legislative base for making the

the expenses resulting from the amendment would be very high, and the positive effects do not

use of non-combustible textiles

outweigh the potential expenses (therefore, the expenses are not justified).

mandatory in public buildings. 13.3. The fire safety awareness

The implementation of the Rescue Board’s project “Prevention and management of natural

of social workers and staff

disasters – increased fire safety at Estonian 24-hour healthcare and care institutions” financed

of welfare institutions will be

from the Estonian-Swiss Cooperation Programme continued in 2013. In 2013, within the

increased.

framework of the project, risk assessment of healthcare and care institutions was performed, guidelines for practical training were prepared, electric evacuation equipment for healthcare and care institution were purchased, project guidelines and development strategy were prepared for the given area, and proposals for amendments to laws and strategies were made. The project will be completely realised in 2014.

13.4. Fire extinguishers will be

The relevant amendment of law has not been initiated. In 2010, the Applied Research Centre of

made obligatory in residential

the University of Tartu completed the study “The assessment of the impact of the mandatory use

space.

of primary fire extinguishing tools in residential spaces”. It was concluded in the study that it is not rational to establish the obligation to have a fire extinguisher in every living space because it is not cost-effective. According to the study, establishment of the obligation can be expedient in other risk objects (for example, apartment buildings. According to the study commissioned by the Rescue Board, last year 28% of the population had a fire extinguisher in their residential space.

14. Public awareness of the right course of action in fire emergencies will be increased. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

14.1. More volunteers will be

Volunteers provided fire safety-related counselling in 621 households (286 more than in 2012).

involved in the organisation of

Another 299 volunteers were trained in the course of the project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fire safety at homeâ&#x20AC;? by the end

fire safety counselling related

of 2013 (during the year 54 trained volunteers joined the project), who were trained to conduct

home visits.

fire safety-related training.

14.2. The public will be

The public is informed by the Rescue Board of risks related to furnaces every year before the

informed of the safety of

beginning of and during the heating period. The public is informed of risks related to open flames

furnaces and open flames as

in nature every spring, i.e. upon the arrival of the period of higher fire risk. The public is also

well as the use of primary fire

informed of high fire risk periods and regions and the related restrictions. In cooperation with

fighting equipment, including

the Environmental Inspectorate, supervision is being performed over the compliance with safety

fire extinguishers.

requirements established on making campfires and bonfires in areas covered with forest and other plant growth. The public is being kept informed of the necessity of primary fire extinguishing equipment, for example fire extinguishers. 55 safety days were organised in 2013 (41 in 2012), which included the introduction of primary fire extinguishing equipment to the public and improvement of ability of its use.

14.3. The measures for inform-

In 2013 with respect to information and safety days, priority continued to be given to activities

ing parents of child-related

aimed at children and parents (conduct of activities and games, that allow to spread information

fire safety risks will be

concerning safety in a practical way according to age and specific target group).

enhanced.

A total of over 130,000 people participated in 55 safety days and 270 information days.

14.4. Fire safety related

Compliance with fire safety requirements in welfare institutions is inspected every year. In 2013,

activities in social welfare

351 buildings of healthcare and welfare institutions were inspected within the framework of

institutions

national fire safety surveillance on the basis of risk assessment.

will be improved.

One of the most important activities of 2013 was performance of risk assessments in healthcare and welfare institutions belonging to the target group of the Estonian-Swiss cooperation project, as well as purchase of evacuation equipment.

Improved protection of property

15. The number of criminal offences against property will be reduced, while paying special attention to prevention of criminal offences against property committed by minors. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

15.1. Preventive measures

Preventive activities of the police managed to achieve the 2% rate of prevention of criminal

based on the analysis of the

offences against property among the age group of 5-19 years of age. For this purpose various

criminal offences committed

series of lectures and projects were carried out, in the course of which children were directed

by minors will be redirected to

through the juvenile committee to a psychologist or a social programme.

influencing the causes of these offences. 15.2. The ability of police

Compared to 2012, theft rates decreased by 12% (by 2,163 cases). The number of identified

authorities to apprehend

cases of acquisition, storage and sales of assets gained as a result of committing an offence in

traders of stolen goods will be

2013 was 248, which is 182 less than the year before. One of the reasons for this trend is a

improved, and a system will be

decrease in the number of professional receivers of stolen assets, who act on their own and

developed in cooperation with

whose activities are not systematic. During committing of theft, preference is given rather to

the private sector in order to

easily and quickly disposable items, and normally receivers of stolen assets do not store assets.

complicate the disposal of assets deriving from crime and receiving the proceeds of crime. 15.3. The parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; awareness of

The information work performed on media channels has indirectly reached four percent of the

the risks related to minors and

adult population, and for this purpose video clips were presented in means of public transport,

the options for hedging such

warning materials were distributed in different big events (for example fairs), information

risks will be enhanced.

materials were distributed among tourists in Tallinn, etc.

15.4. The capacity for combat-

In September 2013, units for prevention and detection of cyber-crimes and management of

ing criminal offences commit-

digital evidence were created in prefectures.

ted with the help of information

90 police officers received basic knowledge in the field of cyber-crime. Police officers participated

technology and the Internet will

in international training (OLAF and Europol), during which they were taught to establish child

be improved.

victims in cyber environment and detect software with an open source code. In 2013, all units were equipped with new modern workstations. Organisation of licensed training of use of EnCase and FTK intended for new officials continued and skills of obtaining evidence from data media were developed.

16. Efficiency of confiscation of criminal assets will be enhanced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

16.1. The capacity of police

In order to enhance procedural capability and capability of identifying criminal assets, investments

authorities for identifying

were made in growth of awareness of persons conducting proceedings. Criminal assets infor-

criminal assets will be

mation days were organised for investigators, best practices were shared and problems were

developed.

discussed. Regular cooperation meetings were organised between the Criminal Assets Identification Office,

the Investigation Department of Central Criminal Police and units of prefectures, and cooperation with the Tax and Customs Board and the Internal Security Service was increased. The Criminal Assets Identification Office participated in international meetings and external training in order to harmonise and collect best practices. In 2013, four additional motivated experts possessing special expertise and experience were recruited, focusing on identification of criminal assets. At the end of the year, 21 persons conducting procedure concerning criminal assets were working in the Police and Border Guard Board. 16.2. Identification of criminal

In 2013 within the framework of seven criminal procedures, seizure for the purpose of securing

assets in the proceedings of all

confiscation was applied to 718,273 euros of criminal assets, which included, among other,

precursor offences to money

suspicions of money laundering (in 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25,483,082 euros within the framework of 10

laundry offences will be

procedures, 24,675,025 euros of which constituted confiscations in two criminal cases).

guaranteed.

178 criminal cases were sent to the prosecutorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, within the framework of which seizure was applied to criminal assets the value of which amounted to 3,219 million euros. (122 criminal cases in 2010, 154 in 2011 and 1,309 in 2012). In 2013, the Financial Intelligence Unit forwarded 17 reports of criminal offences, with respect to which as of 31 December 12 criminal procedures were initiated, including 10 money laundering procedures. Materials were sent in order to be attached to a current criminal case 74 times. In response to an inquiry, application or provision of information 372 materials were sent. The amount related to the forwarded materials is 2.56 billion euros. Restriction for disposal of assets for 30 days was applied 91 times in the total amount of ca 10.1 million euros. As of the end of December 2013, the Financial Intelligence unit restricted the disposal of assets in the total amount of 1.58 million euros. In 2013, restrictions for disposal were applied to 9 registered immovables, 4 storage depots and 12 motor vehicles.

16.3. Facilities for storing

In 2013, the control committee of the Police and Border Guard Board performed supervisory control

seized assets will be created

in the prefectures for the purpose of control of compliance with the procedure for handling evidence,

in a way which guarantees the

removed items, confiscated property and found items. It was ensured that storage and management

preservation of the assets.

of the seized property, evidence, etc. are performed under conditions that exclude the possibility for their disintegration, damage, destruction or loss. Preparation of the concept of the national asset management system was initiated, and it will continue this year. There are no common national principles of storage and management of seized, confiscated and evidential assets. The area is regulated within the scope of areas of government of ministries, due to which management is not systematic and there is no general sustainability of the area as a whole.

17. Public awareness of the options for property protection will be increased. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

17.1. The public will be notified

In 2013, a total of 1,574 articles were published and performances were conducted via media

of the potential risks and trends

channels (141 less that in 2012), incl. 405 law enforcement police officers (50 less), 28 criminal

of criminal activity.

police officers (3 less) and 64 chiefs (11 less).

17.2. Preventative work within

By the end of 2013, there were 160 security committees operating at local government units.

the community will be

The number of Neighbourhood, School and Kindergarten Watch sectors has grown, with 1,132

expanded by involving in the

registered by the end of the year (43 more than in 2012).

process apartment associations, real estate developers, insurance agencies, security companies, companies selling security products, and citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations.

17.3. Sustainable development

In 2013, the activities of the non-profit association Neighbourhood Watch were supported with

of the Neighbourhood Watch

25,565 euros. During the year 21 new Neighbourhood sectors joined. The sectors include a total

will be endorsed.

of 10,780 households.

Decreased number of accidents

18. The number of fatalities and injuries in traffic accidents will be reduced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

18.1. The legislative basis will

The legal bases of the activities of fire safety supervision officers are set forth in the Rescue Act

be established for the

and the Fire Safety Act enforced in 2010. In cases requiring prompt intervention, rescue officers

activities of fire safety

have the right to issue precepts for the elimination of risks in the event of any violations of fire

supervisors in case of any

safety requirements established by law.

threat of fire.

In 2013, a new handbook for the Fire Safety Act was prepared specifying the nature of fire safety requirements and providing practical advice for fulfilment of the requirements.

18.2. An early warning system

In 2011, the Rescue Board has concluded a cooperation agreement with the Estonian National

will be implemented, allowing

Broadcasting for an unspecified term, in order to provide operative information to the public in

the public to be given timely

the case of emergencies and other events.

notification of extraordinary events, accidents and emergencies, considering, among other things, the possibility of power and communication failure. 18.3. The criteria for preparing

Legal amendments to the Chemicals and the Panning Act entered into force in 2009. The

risk analyses in enterprises

Regulation of the Government specifying the risk analysis criteria entered into force in 2011 and

exposed to the risk of major

became applicable in 2012 (requirements to mandatory documents of dangerous enterprises

accidents will be specified, and

and enterprises exposed to the risk of major accidents and to information and notifications of an

mandatory legislative

accident provided to the public).

conditions will be developed for

The Rescue Board prepared uniform guidelines for the approval of plans. The implementation of

taking the results of risk

the guidelines facilitates the granting of approvals required in the Chemicals Act for plans and

analyses of enterprises into

projects related to enterprises exposed to the risk of major accidents and the surrounding areas

account in the preparation of

of such enterprises.

plans.

In 2013, the guidelines were introduced to local governments and training in this area was organised for them.

18.4. The legislation on the

The preparation of this legal act has not been initiated as according to the assessment of the

transportation of hazardous

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, a separate law concerning transportation

goods will be prepared.

of hazardous goods is not necessary as legal norms regulating the given area already exist in Estonian laws concerning different areas

18.5. Safety awareness of

Fire safety training events were organised for various age groups. The training programme “More

teachers and students,

clever than fire” was aimed at kindergarten children, “I know about fire” at primary school children

including in the areas of fire,

and “Protect yourself and help others” at basic school children. The total of 34,063 students

water and household safety,

participated in the training.

will be increased.

Activities to update information on the water safety web page www.veeohutus.ee continued in 2013. The organisation of water safety training for students in grades 10 to 12 also continued in 2012, with a total of 6 660 students participating in the training. 288 primary school and kindergarten teachers also completed water safety training. A film concerning water safety in summer was made by the order of the Rescue Board. The film will be presented to the public before the swimming season of 2014.

18.6. The ability to conduct, on

In 2013, 19 work accident fatalities were registered (14 in 2012, 19 in 2011).

the basis of risk-based

The Rescue Board organises fire safety inspections at various institutions and enterprises and

selection, work environment-re-

supervises chemical safety at enterprises exposed to the risk of major accidents every year,

lated inspections of workplaces

which helps to reduce the occurrence of work accidents.

will be increased with the aim of reducing the probability of work accidents. 18.7. Academic and recreational

In 2013, compliance with the fire safety requirements established for educational institutions

facilities of educational

was checked in 1,073 buildings of educational institutions.

establishments will be brought into compliance with health, occupational safety and fire safety requirements as well as the building norms (legal acts, standards and instructions for construction).

19. Public awareness of the right course of action in emergencies will be increased. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

19.1. An Internet environment

The instructions for conduct in emergencies are available on the following four web pages: www.kodu-

will be launched, designed to help

tuleohutuks.ee, www.rescue.ee, www.veeohutus.ee and www.ohutusope.ee. Information on those web

and instruct people, consisting of

pages is updated on a current basis. Safety-related information can also be obtained from the rescue

information on potential threats

area information hotline 1524.

and instructions for behaviour in different emergencies, including fire, traffic accidents and other emergencies.

In 2013, raising awareness of the population was widened through Facebook, which helped to increase participation of the younger population in preventive activities. By the end of 2013, the number of likes of the Facebook page reached 27,000, which is one of the best results among public sector institutions. The Police and Border Guard Board prepared a safety book that was given to parents of all children going to the first grade (14,500 copies). The safety book provides guidelines for resolution of different dangerous situations (traffic safety, water safety, fire safety, explosive items and electrical safety).

19.2. The measures for public

In 2010, on the basis of the Emergency Act the Regulation of the Government “Procedure for informing

protection will be improved, among

the public of an immediate danger of emergency, an emergency and resolution of an emergency, and

other things by specifying the tasks

requirements to the distributed information” entered into force, specifying notification of the population

of state authorities in educating the

of emergencies and their resolution, incl. bases for early warning and crisis communication.

public in order to raise public awareness of the specific threats in the living environment, and the sustai-

In 2013, the risk analysis summary note was prepared providing an overview of the main emergencies that threaten Estonia and the preparation for them.

nable course of action in emergencies.

19.3. Public awareness of the

In 2013, the summer media campaign “If you drink, don’t swim! Say no to drunk swimming!” was

course of action on bodies of wa-

successfully carried out. The campaign was aimed at reducing the number of water accidents in the

ter, handling of explosives found

summer with people under the influence of alcohol, which is the biggest cause of drowning among

and ascertainment of threats

20-30 year old males. The visibility of the 2013 campaign was 97 percent among the Estonian speaking

conditioned by negligence, as

population and 95 per cent among the non-Estonian-speaking population. The number of alcohol-related

well as the related preventive

drownings decreased, including the absence of drowned persons among the 20-30 year old males during

measures will be enhanced.

the summer period (in 2012 8 males under alcoholic intoxication drowned during the summer period). Preventive work in the field of mine clearance educated approximately 21,800 persons, over a half of whom were school students. The subject of mine clearance was started to be integrated in the common programme of the preventive work in the field of rescue in order to enhance the efficiency of preventive work and the awareness of the residents of the possible dangers related to explosives. The Rescue Board ordered performance of a study aimed at clarification of the residents’ awareness in the field of explosives safety, during which it was discovered that there is a lack of awareness of Estonian residents with respect to the danger of explosion.

Improved national security

20. The state has the capability to reliably identify the people residing in Estonia. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

20.1. Digital fingerprint

According to the Council Regulation (EC) No 2252/2004 on the standards for security features and

information will be entered

biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States and the

in travel documents.

Regulation (EC) No 444/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, passports and travel documents must have fingerprints of the person. As the contract concluded between the Republic of Estonia and Gemalto OÜ for the issuance of travel documents ends in 2014, a procurement procedure for the conclusion of a new contract was held in 2013, and on 20 May a new contract was concluded. Preparations have been made in order to start issuing alien’s passports and seafarer’s service record books starting from March, and other personal identification documents starting from June. The entry of biometrical fingerprint data in travel documents will continue under the new contract. In 2013, the draft act amending the Identity Documents Act was prepared providing for the possibility of issue of an Estonian citizen’s passport without fingerprints with the validity period of one year. This legislation is aimed at simplifying the application for travel documents by an Estonian citizen who has been issued an Estonian citizen’s passport or an identity card and who resides in a foreign state where Estonia has no foreign mission or if the costs of turning to an Estonian foreign mission are disproportionally high.

20.2. Identification and personal identification document-related databases will be harmonised with personal status and identification procedures, with the options for cross-usage of the data being increased.

In 2013, a preliminary analysis was launched for the purpose of commissioning a new procedural

20.3. The options for the use of

In 2013, the concept of issue of digital identity cards to the persons listed in Art. 201 (2) of the

personal identification docu-

Identity Documents Act (for example, e-resident’s digital ID) was developed.

ments will be expanded with

In 2013, the draft act amending the Identity Documents Act and other laws was prepared providing,

the purpose of ensuring their

among other, for the issue of digital identity documents in a form of Mobile ID, the term of validity of

wider use.

which is five years.

information system for the citizenship and migration area in 2015. Development of the concept of biometric identification of a person has been started.

Upgrading of the chip software of personal identity and residence permit cards issued in 2011 was continued in order to increase the level of security. At the end of July, certificates of the personal identity cards and residence permit cards issued in 2011 the electronic part of which was not updated and which cannot be used for electronic use of documents without upgrades were declared invalid. Preparations were also started for the issue of documents in ID-1 format (identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card) on the basis of a new procurement contract starting from 2017.

21. Possibilities for illegal immigration and illegal stay in Estonia will be reduced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

21.1. The measures for

On 1 October, the amendment to the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens entered

preventing, combating and

into force, renaming the expulsion centre of the Police and Border Guard into the detention

discovering illegal immigration

centre, and establishing the bases and procedure for detention of asylum seekers.

will be enhanced.

On 17 May, the agreement and implementation protocol for the readmission of persons residing without authorisation concluded between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the

Government of the Republic of Kosovo entered into force. On 26 September, the implementation protocol for agreement for the readmission of persons residing without authorisation was concluded between Estonia, Montenegro and the European Union. In February, the common contact person on immigration matters for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland started working in Ukraine and Moldova.â&#x20AC;¨ In December, Estonia adopted the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) used by 18 EU Member States and Norway as a member of the Schengen area. 21.2. The accession of Estonia

In April, the second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) was adopted, and in 2013

to the EU standardised Visa

the possibility of use of the common Visa Information System (VIS) widened to include Estoniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Information System (VIS) and

foreign mission in Kazakhstan.

the second-generation Schen-

In 2013, development work aimed at ensuring readiness of the Police and Border Guard Board to

gen Information System (SISII)

join SIS II continued.

will be ensured.

In April, Estonia joined the new version of the Schengen information system (SIS II) and the last developments were made in the production environment in December.

21.3. The efficiency of the

The Police and Border Guard Board and the Finnish Border Guard concluded the memorandum

capacity for identification of

of mutual understanding with regard to exchange of marine information. Information exchange

marine surveillance system

with the Border Guard Service of the Russian Federation with regard to surveillance of shipping

marks with surveillance

traffic areas was enhanced. Procurement of surveillance cameras (25 day view cameras and 5

cameras in heavy shipping

thermal cameras) for marine surveillance system was started.

traffic areas, and exchange of marine information with the competent agencies will be enhanced. 21.4. The land section of the

This activity was not started in 2013.

external border, as well as the lake and river border will be developed. 21.5. The guarding of the land

In September, Automated Border Control (ABC) gates started to be used at the Tallinn Airport,

section of the external border

and mobile sensor systems Smartec were purchased for the land section of the external border

with the help of technical

in 2013. In July, renovation of the Kulgu radar point and of the integrated surveillance system of

surveillance systems and the

Peipsi was started.

use of modern technology for conducting border control will be increased.

22. Prevention and combating of intelligence and subversive activities targeted against the Republic of Estonia will be enhanced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

22.1. Collection of information

The collection of information about factors endangering the security of Estonia continued at an

will be improved and international

optimum level and counter-measures were taken. Efficient cooperation with partner countries

cooperation enhanced for gather-

continued to be enhanced.

ing data on the activities of special services hostile to the security of the Estonian state and for taking

the appropriate counter-measures.

22.2. The awareness of possible

The possible subjects of scientific and industrial espionage were informed and continued to be

espionage activities will be

educated in regards to possible threats. People processing state secrets received regular

increased among the subjects of

specialist training and counselling during the year. Cooperation with research institutions

scientific and industrial espionage.

continued.

22.3. The legislative basis

The Regulation of the Government “Procedure for entering and leaving the waters of inland sea,

will be established, making

ports and trans-boundary water bodies belonging to Estonia by water crafts and recreational

mandatory the electronic

crafts” was supplemented with the obligation “The captain of the water craft organising the sea

registration and preservation of

trip or transport of passengers or in case of his absence the agent of the water craft owner must

the personal information of

electronically forward to the Police and Borer Guard Board the list of the crew and the passengers”.

passengers who are departing to or arriving from EU member states in airports, passengers who are travelling through ports and railways that conduct

In January, the Ministry of the Interior submitted for approval the plan for preparation of the draft legislation for the use of booking information of air travellers aimed at prevention, identification and investigation of terrorist acts and serious crimes, and bringing to justice those responsible for them. In parallel with the development of the Air Travellers’ regulation, Estonia actively participated in

customs and border procedures,

the decision-making process of the European Union concerning this area in order to ensure that

and customers of accommodation

common regulation of the EU corresponds to Estonia’s interests and needs (first and foremost,

establishments, as well as

combating terrorism and organised crime).

ensure electronic access by law

The Ministry of the Interior has again submitted to other Ministries for approval the draft act for

enforcement authorities.

amending the Tourism Act, the goal of which is to provide a more specific registration system of users of accommodation services and to create a database of users of accommodation services. Realisation of activities of the Action Plan on Combating Terrorism was specified in more detail. The application for funding submitted by the Ministry of the Interior to the European Commission received a positive response in 2013. During the next following years, the information system for bookings of air travellers will be developed and adopted.

22.4. The country’s cyber

Cyber security issues are coordinated by the Cyber Security Council operating under the Secu-

security-related capacities will

rity Committee of the Government of the Republic.

be developed, and the internal

In order to develop the country’s cyber security, increase its capacity and enhance cyber secu-

security and defence authorities cooperation with other interested parties and individuals with the corresponding competence improved.

rity-related cooperation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has prepared the Cyber Security Strategy 2014-2017 (enters into force in 2014). The strategy establishes the goals of the Estonian state concerning ensuring security of information and communication technologies, as well as tools and means aimed at achievement of these goals. In 2012, the 2Centre project funded by the European Commission was launched in Estonia under the initiative of the Tallinn University of Technology within the framework of which Estonian Cyber Security Competence Centre (2Centre Estonia) was created, the main activity of which is development of the area of cyber forensics and using it to combat cyber-crime. As of today, the centre has carried out the first pilot training for police officials and next year modules for additional training will be prepared for investigation of cyber-crimes mainly meant for the officials dealing with analysis and collection and management of digital evidence. A cyber forensics master’s degree studies programme will be created.

23. The effectiveness of prevention and combating acts of terror, including the prevention of attacks against persons protected by the state will be enhanced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

23.1. The security of objects

The Security Police provided counselling on implementation of measures for protection of

with high risk of a physical

objects with a high risk of physical attack.

attack will be raised. 23.2. The efficiency of security

The analysis of the efficiency of security measures continued in 2013.

measures will be analysed on a regular basis. 23.3. The personal protection of

The procedure for ensuring security of state visits and national events was updated, and

individuals facing a high risk of

cooperation between respective state institutions was enhanced.

attack and the security of

For the purpose of organisation of personal protection, cooperation activities were carried out

national events and state visits

between the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Government Office, Ministry of

will be improved.

Foreign Affairs, Rescue Board, Estonian Internal Security Service and other offices, as well as with respective services and offices of other foreign states, and other organisations.

23.4. Security activities will be

The procedure for ensuring security of state visits and national events was updated, and

transformed into a set of

cooperation between respective state institutions was enhanced.

information-based activities

For the purpose of organisation of personal protection, cooperation activities were carried out

which are based on

between the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Government Office, Ministry of

professional cooperation with various associated

Foreign Affairs, Rescue Board, Estonian Internal Security Service and other offices, as well as with respective services and offices of other foreign states, and other organisations.

organisations. 23.5. The automatic fugitive

The Tax and Customs Board continued work to extend the automated number plate recognition

and vehicle identification

system to the internal border and the ports, which enables automated identification of vehicles.

system will be developed. 23.6. The capacity for discovering

In 2013, radiation monitors were established at the Tallinn Airport. Previously, stationary

radiation sources on the inter-

radiation monitors were also established at Sillam채e Port and Muuga Port. Also, all external

nal borders and in major ports

border crossing points on motorways were equipped with new radiation monitors. Mobile units

will be developed.

of the Tax and Customs Board are equipped with manual radiation control equipment.

23.7. The inspection of goods

The Estonian System of Forwarding of Maritime Documents (EMDE) application was created in

in ports and on ships will be

order to simplify preparation and forwarding of maritime notices and documents. The application

made more effective.

is capable of exchanging information related to visits of motor crafts with other applications for handling similar information (for example, the SafeSeaNet application). Data exchange enables to reduce the amount of mistakes that can be made when data concerning visits of motor crafts is entered manually, as well as the workload related to the entry of documents of large volume.

24. The functioning of vital services in case of accidents and emergency situation will be secured. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

24. Effective functioning of

In 2012, the Emergency Act was amended. Pursuant to the amendment, which entered into

vital areas during accidents,

force on 1 January, 2013, institutions organising the continuous operation of vital services are

emergencies and states of

obligated to establish a regulation stipulating the description of vital services and the

emergency.

requirements for continuous operation. The aim of the amendment is to unite the practices of ensuring the continuous operation of vital services into a single integral system. The enforcement of the requirements will ensure the scope of vital services and the clarity of quality indicators. The Bank of Estonia established requirements concerning continuous operation of payment services and cash circulation that entered into force on 15 March 2013. On 23 March, the Regulation of the Government â&#x20AC;&#x153;Security measures of information systems of vital services and information assets related to themâ&#x20AC;? entered into force, the goal of which is to ensure continuous operation capability of information systems of vital services and capability for their restoration after interruption. In 2013, there were a total of 43 vital services and approximately 170 institutions and enterprises providing them. There is a total of 13 institutions and persons organising continuous operation of vital services, including 7 ministries, the Bank of Estonia and five larger local governments. At the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013, the plans of risk analysis and continuous operation of the persons providing vital services were updated. The Police and Border Guard Board prepared the risk analysis and plan concerning continuous operation of vital services with respect to the vital services that are the responsibility of the Board (protection of public order, sea and air rescue, surveillance and combating of sea pollution).

Faster response

25. The time between suspicion of a threat and combating of the threat or elimination of the violation will be reduced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

25.1. Self-initiative-based

By the end of 2013, the number of volunteer rescue workers grew to 1,281. Of those volunteers,

volunteer activities will be

1,051 have the right to participate in rescue work independently.

developed with the aim of

The number of volunteer rescue crews, which had concluded a rescue work agreement with the

implementing primary

Rescue Board, grew to 105.

measures for alleviating the consequences before the arrival of professionals.

In addition to reserve rescue crews in Harju County and Lääne County in 2013, a cooperation agreement was concluded with the reserve rescue crew acting in Tartu, which enables bigger and faster involvement of volunteer rescue workers in large-scale and long-term rescue operations than before. The strategic document of volunteer rescue service “National directions of development of volunteer rescue service 2013-2016” was prepared. In 2013, a pilot agreement was concluded with the non-profit association Rõngu Voluntary Rescue Association for provision of water rescue services on Võrtsjärv. The new form of cooperation enables the largest involvement of volunteer rescue workers and the fastest provision of help to residents in case of water emergency than ever before. In December, the first joint guarding was introduced in the Nõmme rescue crew, where volunteer rescue workers perform rescue work in one team with a professional rescue worker. The Ministry of the Interior continued financing the representative organisation of volunteer rescue workers, the non-profit association Estonian Voluntary Rescue Union, activities of which were financed in the total amount of 61,000 euros. By the end of 2013, prefectures had a total of 91 assistant police officers competent to act independently (31 in 2012). 125 assistant police officers completed level II training.

25.2. Standards will be

Emergency response priorities were developed, and this year they will be tested.

established for police

The concept has been prepared for uniform response in the areas of rescue, police and

emergency response and

healthcare.

standard emergency response priorities.

According to the amendment to the Regulation of the Government no. 18 “Procedure for management of emergency calls and requirements to the means necessary for management of emergency calls”, the concept will become applicable on 1 January 2015.

25.4. Public awareness of the

Awareness of the Estonian population of the emergency number 112 remained on the same level. This

112 emergency phone number

means that approximately 90 percent of the population of Estonia was aware of the emergency number

will be increased.

112. Activities to increase public awareness will continue on the basis of the same target groups (people older than 65 years, kindergarten and school children and the Russian-speaking population). Awareness of the Estonian population about possibilities for calling for help in the European Union is poor, reaching 33 percent. In 2013, awareness of the Estonian population increased to 34 percent (+1%). In 2014, the activities to increase awareness will continue nationwide, and the “European 112 day” will be organised. The project intended for people with hearing and speech disabilities allowing receiving emergency calls via SMS text messages will continue. Approximately 10% of the target group members joined the service as a result of information and user training activities in the target group – 209 people with hearing and speech disabilities. During 2013, the Alarm centre received 13 emergency text messages. Information and user training activities in the target group will continue in 2014.

25.5. Emergency call response

In 2013, the time of responding to emergency calls remained at the same level as in 2012, which means

and emergency crew dispatch

that the average time of responding to 112 calls was 6 seconds.

speed will be increased and the

Preparations continued for the transition to the common emergency number 112 in order to simplify and

skills of forwarding emergency

speed up the provision of rescue, police and ambulance assistance to the public. In 2013, reorganisation

notices improved.

was performed in the western and northern regions, as the result of which one centre will be in charge of response to and processing of emergency calls to numbers 112 and 110. In Pärnu, work was started in a common working environment. The joint working environment of the northern area in Tallinn will be completed by the end of 2014, until then work will continue in two different locations. In order to increase the reliability of operation of the number 112, investments were made into new telephone communication solutions used in operative work that were taken into use in all regional centres. As a result of that, information and communication technology interruptions during response to emergency calls decreased by more than two times, and 39 telephone communication incidents were registered. In 2013, depreciated computers of working rooms of regional centres of the Alarm Centre were replaced, which in turn improved reliability of working equipment of persons processing emergency calls and will improve the capability of responses to emergency number calls and forwarding of orders to dispatch. Within the framework of the Estonian-Swiss cooperation programme for development of the geo-information system GIS-112 and its connection to the incident processing software and information systems of cooperation partners continued. The geo-information system will be taken into use by stages in 2014. In 2013, the current logistics procedure for ambulance crews was adopted in the Alarm Centres resulting from reorganisation of ambulance service (five new ambulance crews were added and service areas were changed).

25.6. The capacity of rescue

In 2013, there were 66 state rescue crews.

squads to independently con-

In order to enhance life-saving capabilities, 90 thermal cameras, 12 hydraulic rescue equipment

duct smoke-diving and rescue

and 17 telescopic poles were purchased.

work in case of road accidents, accidents involving hazardous substances, and accidents higher than the 3rd floor will be increased.

In 2013, training and exercises for rescue workers were regularly organised (smoke diving-exercises, use of foam fire extinguishing system training, door opening training, regional surface exercises, classroom training, emergency driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training and category C driving license training). Training and exercises were carried out in order to enhance cooperation of rescue service, ambulance, police, Defence League, environmental institutions and local governments in case of rescue situations.

25.7. The capacities for fighting

Regional pollution control exercises, forest fire exercises, cooperation training and regional class-

the consequences of extensive

room training were organised in 2013.

forest fires, extensive coastal spills and combustible liquid fires will be improved. 25.8. Implementation of

Activities in 2013 were mainly focused on informing the public of the necessity of smoke detec-

additional fire detection

tors and checking the presence of smoke detectors in dwellings.

equipment (in addition to autonomous fire alarm sensors) and the related awareness will be increased.

The Regulation of the Minister of the Interior updating fire safety requirements to automated fire alarm systems entered into force: the requirements to design and installation were made more flexible, and possibilities were created for reduction of false alarms. Within the framework of external help financed though the Estonian-Swiss cooperation programme, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guidelines for hospitals and care homes for application of fire safety installations and rescue meansâ&#x20AC;? were developed, providing new solutions for application of fire detection equipment in medical and welfare institutions.

Increased efficiency of security policy

26. Formation and implementation of the security policy will be enhanced. Objective of the Main Guidelines of Security Policy

Activities in 2013

26.1. The causes of public

Offences were analysed both centrally at the Police and Border Guard Board and at the regional

offences, and the efficiency

level in prefectures. Offences were handled on the basis of target groups, taking into account the

of the measures applied for

specific characteristics of the relevant region.

prevention of public offences will be analysed with the corresponding developments in the area coordinated and strategic planning carried out accordingly. 26.2. In enhancing internal

In April, the joint building of the Rescue Board, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Alarm

security capacities, special

Centre, the IT and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior and the Security Police was

attention will be paid to the

completed in Jõhvi. The construction of the Narva administrative building continued and was

areas material to the state’s

completed in January 2013. The Jõhvi administrative building was the first joint regional building

integrity and national security,

of that scope in the area of internal security, and it improved the working conditions of the

such as Ida-Viru County and

employees of the governing area of the Ministry of the Interior as well as the availability of

local governments near the

internal security services for citizens, as service providers who were previously operating at

border.

different locations can now work at the same centre. The Jõhvi building also houses the first regional joint emergency centre, which increases the speed of responding to accidents or offences. In 2013, the Ministry of the Interior started work on designing new administrative buildings for Sillamäe, Kohtla-Järve and Kiviõli in order to improve the working conditions of internal security employees in those towns. The Government of the Republic action programme for 2011-2014 includes the improvement of the qualification of law enforcement officers and an analysis of the possibilities of establishing the Academy of Security Sciences in Ida-Viru County. During the government cabinet meeting that took place on 19 April where the possible locations together with construction calculations were submitted, the Ministry of the Interior was given the task to continue analysis of a more specific possible location of the Academy of Security Sciences in Ida-Viru County in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Riigi Kinnisvara AS. The Ministry of the Interior is preparing an additional analysis (incl. financial and activity plan) in order to ensure efficient operation of the internal security study, science and development centre of the Academy of Security Sciences, the deadline for completion of which is the second quarter of 2014.

Four years ago, the Academy of Security Sciences introduced preliminary vocational studies in internal security to students of upper-secondary schools. During three years of upper-secondary studies every year, students receive knowledge in police, border guard and rescue areas of specialisation. The curriculum is prepared in a way that after completion of three years of studies, the graduate could enter into services as an assistant police officer or assistant rescue worker. Also, after completion of the preliminary vocational studies, the student can enter the Academy of Security Sciences on preferential conditions.

In spring 2013, the three-year course was completed by the first 14 students of Orissaare Secondary School who received the qualification of assistant rescue worker. At present, studies are also conducted in Tabasalu Joint Upper-Secondary School, Pärnu Hansagümnaasium (Upper-Secondary School), Põlva Joint Upper-Secondary School, Kohtla-Järve Järve and Russian Upper-Secondary Schools (one study group for two schools) and on the basis of three Narva schools (Narva Soldino, Vanalinna State School and Narva School no. 6). The total amount of students taking part in preliminary vocational studies nationwide is 260. In 2014, approximately 70 students will complete the vocational studies. 26.3. A general legal act will be

The Emergency Act passed in June 2009 consolidated the previous Emergency Preparedness

established in the field of crisis

Act and the Emergency Situation Act. The Emergency Act establishes the legislative basis for

management, organising the

crisis management, including preparing for and responding to emergencies and ensuring the

entire legislative basis for crisis

continuous operation of vital services. In 2013, on the basis of the law the effective Regulation

management.

of the Government was updated establishing emergency situations with regard to which it is a necessity to prepare risk analysis and resolution plan.

26.4. The analyses of

Activities included participation in the work of security committees operating at local

public threats and planning of

governments. Cooperation networks between the police and other cooperation partners

preventative measures will be

functioned smoothly. Participation in city planning committees also continued.

enhanced in local government

There were commissions working in the area of law enforcement work in 160 local governments.

territories.

In 2013, Police officers participated in their work 625 times.

26.5. The Defence League will

The cooperation agreement between the Police and Border Guard Board and the Defence League

be involved to a greater extent

was renewed and extended until 2014.

in guaranteeing internal secu-

In November, a cooperation seminar for the Police and Border Guard Board and the Defence

rity.

League was held. Both organisations introduced their capabilities and discussed possible areas of cooperation where to assist each other. The agreement with the Defence League was concluded in 8 October 2007 and supplemented on 15 January 2010. The agreement between the Defence Forces and the Rescue Board was concluded on 16 December 2013, and the agreement between the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence was concluded on 19 February 2013 in order to enhance participation of the Defence League, the Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence in ensuring security and agree upon the procedure for cooperation between the institutions. In 2011, the Police and Border Guard Board concluded a three-year agreement with the Defence League, which was renewed in 2012 and prolonged until the end of 2013. Conclusion of the cooperation plan for 2014 is in progress.

26.6. All internal security

Five new base stations were installed in order to expand the operative radio communication

agencies will be connected to

network ESTER, which considerably improved the usability of the network in regions where it had

the two-way radio communica-

previously been complicated. The communication network ESTER currently has approximately

tion system.

9,000 end users.

26.7. All forms of proceedings

Information was exchanged with E-file; no major ICT developments to integrate various types of

(criminal, misdemeanour,

proceedings with the E-File environment were carried out.

administrative and civil

Preparations were made in the administrative area of the Ministry of the Interior to launch the

proceedings) will be integrated

follow-up project to the E-File, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Payment and financial accounting functions in E-Fileâ&#x20AC;?.

with the E-Toimik (E-File) environment and services.

Works were started to improve management of information systems in the administrative area of the Ministry of the Interior. The field e-proceedings project was launched, which will allow police officers to conduct misdemeanour proceedings electronically straight from police vehicles. The plan is to implement the payment and financial accounting project in 2013. The majority of criminal procedure documents are available in the procedural information systems of the police. Integration of payments and financial settlements into the procedural information systems was started in 2013. Overview of procedural expenses and claims sent for execution will enhance.

26.8. Volunteers and the non-

In 2013, the Police and Border Guard Board employed 805 assistant police officers, of whom 687

profit sector will be involved in

were engaged in active work. In total, assistant police officers worked for 71,870 working hours,

law enforcement, both in the

and the majority of work was related to the protection of public order (patrolling and regional

prevention of threats to public

police work) in the amount of 65,516 working hours.

order and alleviation of the consequences of major accidents. 26.9. The organisation of the

Psychological defence is organised by the Government Office. Information concerning the organ-

psychological defence of the

isation of psychological defence is for internal use only.

Estonian people will be developed, involving the measures for providing emotional comfort in case of major accidents and emergency situations and states of emergency, as well as measures required for creating and maintaining a bond of trust between the victims and their families and the state representatives, and for avoiding panic. 26.10. The organisation of the

In order to enhance capability, in 2013 the Department of the European Union and Foreign

internal security will be devel-

Relations of the Ministry of the Interior was created with the goal of increasing efficiency of the

oped in accordance with the

Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities directed at the European Union and Foreign Relations, and the Strategy

changes and new risks in the

Department was created with the goal of putting in order strategic planning of the area of

operating environment as well

internal security. In 2014, the Document Administration and Internal Services Department was

as the need to increase cost

dissolved, and the duties of the department were distributed between other departments.

efficiency.

The structure of information technology and development centre of the Ministry of the Interior was put in order and made more efficient, as a result of which the number of managers of the institution decreased from 28 to 23. The Estonian Internal Security Museum was added to the Rescue Board.

Activities and working processes of the Police and Border Guard Board were put in order. Migration surveillance services and external border information services of prefectures were united. As a result of that, the number of managers decreased. Central operative units of the Law Enforcement Police Department were united with the Northern Prefecture, resulting in emergence of a quick response centre acting as one team that has a nationwide response capability. The traffic surveillance officials of the traffic service of the Law Enforcement Police Department were also transferred to the Northern Prefecture with the goal of increasing traffic safety. Public servants

who organise guarding of objects designated by the government were united under one structural unit. This helps to increase the speed and quality of the service. 26.11. The best opportunities

In 2013, the organisation of studies of the Academy of Security Sciences was brought into com-

will be created for training law

pliance with the requirements of the reform of the higher education, and preparations are also

enforcement, criminal police

being made for ensuring compliance with the reform of vocational education. The possibilities

and other internal security

of how to further adjust the studies in the area of internal defence to the labour market situation

officials in the Estonian

and the needs of the institutions are analysed in order to plan further development.

Academy of Security Sciences.

Editor: Maris Sander Compiled by: Karin Kase Layout and printing: Areal Disain / Maiken Mardisalu Published by: Ministry of the Interior Pikk 61, 15065 Tallinn â&#x20AC;&#x153;Security Policy 2014â&#x20AC;? on the web: http://issuu.com/siseministeerium/docs/turvalisuspoliitika_2014_eng

ISSN 2228-0626