CEPOL, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training, is an agency of the European Union that develops, implements and organises training for the police and other law enforcement officials.

What it does

The agency:    

• provides training for the police and other law enforcement officials
• improves EU security through training and knowledge sharing
• sets up training networks.

CEPOL offers innovative, advanced training courses. It integrates the latest expertise and developments in research and technology into its training programmes, and boosts cooperation between police authorities.

Its current portfolio includes:

• residential courses
• online learning
• exchange programmes
• common curricula
• science and research

Structure

CEPOL is headed by an executive director, who is accountable to the management board.

The management board is made up of representatives of EU countries and the European Commission. The chair is a representative of one of the 3 EU countries that jointly prepare the Council of the European Union’s 18-month programme.

The agency has a national unit (known as a ‘CNU’) in each EU country. The national units provide information and guidance for law enforcement officials who want to take part in CEPOL activities.

How it works

CEPOL brings together a network of training institutes for law enforcement officials in each EU country and helps them provide frontline training on security priorities, law enforcement cooperation and exchanging information.

The agency also works with EU bodies, international organisations, and non-EU countries to ensure that there is a collective response to the most serious security threats.

Its annual work programme is based on input from this network and other stakeholders. This means that its activities meet EU countries’ needs in the priority areas of the EU internal security strategy.

Who benefits

CEPOL contributes to a safer Europe by facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing among police officers in EU countries and in some non-EU countries on issues based on the EU’s security priorities, and especially on the EU policy cycle on serious and organised crime.

CEPOL aims to become a world-class hub and a driver of change in the law enforcement training field.