INTELLIGENCE CYCLE AS PART OF EFFECTIVE RISK ANALYSIS UNDER INTEGRATED BORDER MANAGEMENT

The aim is to present common approach of processing of information as one of the main aspects for qualitative risk analysis, including all three components – threat, vulnerability and impact, in all levels: strategic, operational and tactical. The theoretical methodology is based on guidelines of common integrated risk analysis model (CIRAM), implemented in Schengen member states (MS) as a part of integrated border management (IBM). Based on the main task – to view particular legal bases and using historical research, analytical and descriptive methods, the legal bases of IBM in the field of risk analysis was explained, at first. Special attention was paid for description of each step of intelligent cycle, because only scrupulous following of methodology guaranteed the high quality of the product in situations when analytical units have huge amount of data from different sources every day. Different kinds of risk analysis (annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly or targeted for specific measures) are performed by European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) and MS using the CIRAM methodology. Huge data flows should be managed in a structured way. The knowledge and practical implementation of CIRAM has a positive impact on overall internal security in the area of free movement. For this purpose, the amount of trained border guards was analysed.

BORDER GUARDS’ COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH PROFESSIONAL TERMINOLOGY: CHALLENGES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Knowledge of English professional terminology is one of the predominant factors for border guards’ successful professional performance during both border and immigration control carried out at their national state border and inside the country and also joint operations organised and implemented by the European Border and Coast Guard at the EU external borders. The present article suggests an overview of the results of the measures taken by the State Border Guard of Latvia in 2017-2020 to facilitate the improvement of Latvian border guards’ competence in English professional terminology. Based on the results of the survey the author puts forward suggestions for possible improvements in English language training and testing for border guards.

DEFINITION OF TERRORISM AND EU COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICY

The article dwells on the problem of the definition of terrorism. This term, though usually commonly understandable, is a legal term, the definition of which is not yet universally adopted. The threat of terrorism, taking upon different forms, is always relevant and the efforts to contain it continue. Thus the definition of the phenomenon and its elements is crucial in such efforts. The analysis is relevant as internationally this term is still not defined in one universal legally binding document and there are questions on its exact scope. The article explains two elements that are usually considered essential in defining terrorism. Furthermore, the article dwells on the EU efforts to contain the threat and in particular on its efforts to prevent terrorism – that is, actions taken to counter terrorist radicalisation.

ANALYSIS OF FALSE DOCUMENTS DETECTED AT THE BORDER CONTROL OF EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES AND THE PROSPECTIVE METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF COUNTERFEITS

The subject of the paper "Analysis of False Documents Detected at the Border Control of European Union Member States and the Prospective Methods for the Detection of Counterfeits" is topical, as the verification of the authenticity of travel documents is the cornerstone of border controls; also, the interrelations between the techniques of producing false documents discovered in the EU Member States and the practical application of technologically new methods of document reproduction has not been extensively reviewed and evaluated in EU scientific literature and current information materials. Identity fraud is expensive: from bank accounts opened with false names to money laundering and all kinds of smuggling and terrorism. The endless variety of criminal activities gives false documents a high value. In addition, for 3 billion travelers worldwide, identity verification needs to be fast, unproblematic and effective. Due to the pressure on borders (time constraints and an increasing numbers of travelers) and the increasing complexity of modern document security, border control capabilities (officials and/or automated systems) are compelled to decide quickly and simply whether documents submitted are authentic or false. The operational execution of document verification capacity is crucial for the efficiency and security of border checks. The aim of the research is to study the quality of false documents discovered at European Union Member States’ border inspections and to identify prospective methods of their detection.

TIMELINESS OF NATIONAL ARMED FORCE PERSONNEL’S TRAINING IN THE FIELD OF BORDER SURVEILLANCE IN THE VIEW OF COOPERATION BETWEEN NATIONAL ARMED FORCES AND STATE BORDER GUARD

In the view of modern tendencies, the cooperation between state armed institutions is extremely crucial. As an example could be mentioned the reaction of French government on the terrorist attack in Paris in the year 2015 – both, army and police, in close cooperation made a contribution solving this challenge. In the scale of Latvia the cooperation between National Armed Forces and State Border Guard could solve such problems like lack of personnel and equipment in State Border Guard. The aim of the current paper is to give insight in such themes as legal basis of the mentioned cooperation, the possibilities of involving National Armed Forces personnel in border surveillance, the possibilities of National Armed Forces personnel’s training in the field of border surveillance and possibilities for development of such training and make short summary in these topics. This was done by methods of analysis, open source research and comparative analysis. Among other conclusions, authors of the current paper draw a conclusion that cooperation between National Armed Forces and State Border Guard is effective but the possibilities of National Armed Forces personnel’s training should be improved in the way mentioned in the paper.

THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF USE OF ELECTROSHOCK WEAPON

Currently, the use of firearms and special devices by law enforcement agencies in civilised democracies is strictly determined in accordance with the current legislation on the use of firearms and special devices. Their illegitimate or unauthorised application causes censure and sparks public outcry. Nevertheless, sometimes situations arise in which it is difficult and problematic for a law enforcement officer to make the right decision on the use of firearms, physical force, special devices and military working dogs. At the moment, the officers of the Latvian Border Guard are often simply unable to resist the illegal actions of offenders, since the current legislation is not always capable of justifying the lawful actions of the border guard. Also, sometimes the specific character of duty performance (a large crowd of people, the proximity of the state border) makes it impossible to use firearms. At the same time, the lack of regular training on the practical use of special devices (stack, handcuffs and others) significantly reduces the chances of their successful use by the Latvian Border Guard officers. Bearing and using electroshock weapons, and specifically stun guns of the TASER type, will significantly increase the level of security of the Latvian Border Guard staff, and will also allow the use of stun guns to ensure public order without risk to others and with minimal risk to the offender. The stun guns will allow you to blur the lines between physical abilities and the degree of physical fitness of the border guard and the offender, as a result of which a fragile girl - border guard can easily neutralise a raging athlete who is trying to disrupt public order and border control order with minimal harm.

POSSIBILITIES OF DEVELOPING INTERACTIVE E-LEARNING SYSTEM FOR BORDER GUARDS TRAINING IN THE STATE BORDER GUARD COLLEGE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA

Efficient use of educational technology and digital learning possibilities has always been the strategic area of high importance in border guards training at the State Border Guard College of Latvia. Recently, issues related to training during the Covid-19, have spurred and revived the discussion, topicality and practical need to use the potential of e-learning opportunities which brought up unexpected, additional, previously unsolved, unexplored, challenges and tasks to border guards training. New opportunities and challenges for trainers, learners and administration of training process both in online communication and learning administration contexts. In order to find out and define further e-learning development possibilities at the State Border Guard College the authors of this research explore the scientific literature on the current research findings, methodologies, approaches on developing interactive e-learning systems in educational contexts, particularly within the sphere of law enforcement. Based on scientific literature research findings authors put forward suggestions on improving the e-learning systems for border guards training.

SCHENGEN ACQUIS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN LATVIA

Latvia joined the Schengen area in 2007 and has already passed three Schengen evaluations. The novelty of the article is aimed at analysis of Schengen Acquis implementation in Latvia and offer suggestions on its further implementation development. The aim of the study is to develop and propose suggestions on Schengen Acquis content improvement and its judicial systematisation development. The research tasks are to investigate the current EU and national normative regulations, legal practices, the conclusions of Latvian and foreign law researchers by using analytical, historical and comparative methods. The improvement of the national normative regulation was started long before Latvia's accession to the Schengen area. The further development of the Schengen acquis is important from the point of view of the right to free movement of persons and from the point of view of ensuring public security in the face of today's challenges related to terrorism, international crime, uncontrolled migration and the spread of disease. The main achievement of the research is that the author has defined the main areas of Schengen Acquis development.

CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASYLUM SYSTEM IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

There still is a lack of unity among EU Member States on asylum issues, both, in the practical application of the existing legal framework and in the direction of the common asylum system. Latvia is subject of both international and European Union common asylum conditions. Any changes in the scale of the European Union affect Latvia, and the world situation in the field of refugees also affects our country. The aim of this article is to analyse the current situation of asylum in the EU, touching upon main trends in the world of refugees, and to identify the main problems in the existing asylum procedure in the EU. In order to achieve objectives, following research methods were used: monographic research of theoretical and empirical sources in order to analyse and evaluate various asylum domain information, analytical method in order to acquire legislative content and verities, comparative method in order to discover differences in legislation of asylum procedure in EU countries, systemic method in order to disclose interconnections in legislation, descriptive statistics method and correlation analysis in order to analyse process of asylum procedure and determine interconnections in asylum procedure time frame between legislation and practical instances in EU countries.

THE SCHENGEN AREA - THE CHALLENGES OF ITS EXISTENCE AND THE NEED FOR REFORM

The Schengen area is a unique structure and one of the European Union's greatest achievements allowing people to move freely within its borders. However, the factors such as the refugee crisis and the influx of asylum seekers into Europe have led several Member States to reintroduce border controls at their internal borders. The aim of the research is to explore the Schengen area, the challenges of its existence and the need for reform. In order to implement the aim of the research, the authors have determined the following tasks of the research: 1) to explore and analyse the Schengen area and the reforms taking place in it; 2) to explore the challenges of the existence of the Schengen area; 3) based on the results obtained in the research, to draw conclusions and develop proposals. The study summarizes the reforms implemented and planned in the Schengen area, evaluates the existing challenges and relevance of the reforms to overcome them. As a result of the study, the authors conclude that it is necessary to ensure the Member States adopt measures to restore the proper functioning of the Schengen area and do not request extension of the reintroduction of the border control at the internal borders.