Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs joined the update of the UNODC Training Manual for Law Enforcement Officers

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Oleksii Serdiuk, Head of the Research Laboratory of Social and Psychological Support, Assistance and Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Educational and Research Institute №3 of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, took part in an expert group meeting organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The event was dedicated to the revision of the Training Manual for Law Enforcement Officials on HIV Service Provision for People Who Inject Drugs.

This forum marked a significant milestone in updating this important resource, which was first published in 2014. The updated guide reflects significant changes in the global drug policy environment, advances in the understanding of HIV/AIDS and related infectious diseases, and the evolution of public health issues affecting key populations over the past decade.

The main innovation in the 2024 edition is the expansion of its scope beyond people who inject drugs to cover all key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people and people in prisons and other closed settings. This comprehensive approach recognises the intersecting vulnerabilities and heightened health risks of these groups, as well as the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring evidence-based and human rights-based approaches.

The updated guide contains several innovative elements, including a strengths-based methodology that encourages problem-solving and constructive approaches to challenges. It emphasises the role of police and law enforcement in protecting public health, safety and well-being of communities, and outlines the role of law enforcement in public health in the context of the ‘right to health’ as defined in the UNODC World Drug Report 2024.

An important addition to the manual is the increased focus on the health and safety of law enforcement officers. This module now precedes a discussion of key populations, recognising that providing officers with knowledge about protecting themselves from HIV and other infectious diseases increases their understanding of and support for HIV-related public health interventions.
The revised manual also introduces approaches based on trauma-informed policing and evidence-based decision-making, providing law enforcement officials with practical tools to incorporate health-focused approaches into their daily work. The guide includes an expanded range of accessible case studies drawn from peer-reviewed literature and practice that demonstrate the real-world impact of policing and public health approaches on key populations.

‘This update is a significant step forward in equipping law enforcement officials with the knowledge and tools they need to make a meaningful contribution to the global HIV response,’ said Serdyuk. ‘The manual's emphasis on creating an enabling environment and developing partnerships between law enforcement and health services will help overcome barriers to accessing essential health services for vulnerable populations.’
The updated guide is aligned with international frameworks, including the UN General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026, supporting the achievement of global goals for equitable access to services. It serves as a dynamic technical resource that can be adapted to specific local contexts and needs, while maintaining its foundation in evidence-based, human rights-based approaches.
The participation of KhNUIA in this important initiative underscores the commitment of Ukrainian academics to the development of evidence-based law enforcement practices that protect public health and support vulnerable populations. The updated handbook will be an important tool in the training of current and future law enforcement officers in Ukraine and around the world.

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