OSCE trains Kyrgyz prison officials

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe announced Monday it began training Kyrgyz prison officials in conflict-management techniques.

The OSCE center in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, began a two-week training course for 25 social workers and psychological counselors at national detention centers, the OSCE said.

The course includes conflict-management techniques for conflict resolution and treatment for aggressive and vulnerable prisoners.

"The OSCE center (in Bishkek) is offering this course to foster the prevention and resolution of conflict situations in prisons, to alleviate aggression and to provide better social and psychological help to inmates," said Andrew Tesoriere, head of the Bishkek center.

The training program includes course work in the diagnosis and risk assessment of inmates who are preparing for release.

Aibek Turganbaev, the head of the Penitentiary Department at the Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice, described the course as "essential" for the national prison system.

"Psychological services that reflect best practices in the field are important and vital for our staff," he added.