FIRST-TAC Project Pilots New First Responder Training Curriculum in Croatia

The first pilot training session of the Erasmus+ project, "Development of Joint Curriculum for First Responders on the Use of Force and First Aid Tactical Procedures (FIRST-TAC)," took place at the Police Academy in Zagreb from May 6th to 10th, 2024.

Over the past eight months, police trainers from Lithuania, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia have been working together to design a comprehensive training program, incorporating a blended learning approach that combines online learning with hands-on practical exercises. The pilot training allowed the team to test and refine the newly developed materials and ensure their effectiveness in preparing first responders for complex situations.

The project’s long-term goal is to enhance the skills and competencies of first responding police officers across Europe, promoting consistency and best practices when it comes to using force and providing first aid.

This pilot training in Croatia focused on training six regional instructors from each partner country, allowing them to experience the program and share their expertise in developing the final training package.

The training program is structured into two parts: an eight-hour self-paced online learning module, followed by a practical five-day in-person training session. This blended learning approach enables participants to refresh and deepen their theoretical knowledge before engaging in the practical training. The online materials, hosted on the Croatian Police Academy's e-learning platform, include interactive quizzes that help participants test their understanding.

The first pilot training session in Croatia provided an opportunity to test and refine the program and teaching materials, ensuring they meet the needs of first responders. The instructors were the same experts who contributed to the curriculum development, maintaining consistency and quality throughout the training. Additionally, regional instructors from each partner country participated, expanding the project’s reach and facilitating active involvement from experts across all partner nations in finalizing the training package.

The training was inaugurated by Josip Ćelić, Head of the Police Academy, and his deputy, Mirjana Abramović, who highlighted the importance of international collaborations. Despite differences in national legal frameworks, they noted that the basic principles of police authority are consistent across countries, making projects like FIRST-TAC ideal for sharing experiences and improving daily practices.

Further pilot trainings will be conducted in each participating country, with the next session scheduled for June 10th to 14th at the Lithuanian Police School, where another group of 24 participants will have the opportunity to test the program and share their experiences.

Last updated: 20-03-2025

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