EUPOL COPPS is a European Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission based and operational in the West Bank. It is part of the wider efforts of the European Union in support of Palestinian state building in the context of working towards a comprehensive peace based on a two-State solution. The Mission assists the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of a future State of Palestine in the areas of policing and criminal justice under Palestinian ownership and in accordance with the best international standards. EUPOL COPPS supports the reform and development of the police and judicial institutions so as to increase the safety and security of the Palestinian population in line with the domestic agenda of the Palestinian Authority in reinforcing the rule of law.The Mission promotes “Civilian Police Primacy”, meaning that the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) should be the main law enforcement agency for the Palestinian population, leading efforts on upholding law and order. The objective of EUPOL COPPS is to support the development of the Palestinian Civil Police by advising and closely mentoring the PCP, and specifically senior officials at District and Headquarters level. The Mission also coordinates and facilitates external donor assistance to the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP).
EUPOL COPPS also supports the development of a sustainable criminal justice sector, which complies with international human rights standards. The mission aims to assist the Palestinian Authority to develop and consolidate the entire criminal justice system (“from police to prison”), to build professional capacity within the judicial institutions, enact modern legislation, and facilitate other activities to ensure their enhanced performance.
