Photo By Staff Sgt. Mickey Miller | Latvian soldiers assigned to Regional Command East of the NATO-led KFOR mission...... read more read more
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The Kosovo Police, also known as KP, is the national policing law enforcement agency of Kosovo and was established in 1999 following the Kosovo War. Since 1999, Kosovo Force, also known as KFOR, has supported Kosovo and the KP in many ways including completing joint training, conducting community enhancing projects and conducting coordinated patrols.
The KFOR mission has consistently been to support a safe and secure environment, or SASE, for all people living in Kosovo regardless of religion or ethnicity since its origination, also in 1999. KFOR’s multinational Maneuver Battalion play a pivotal role in the success of this mission by conducting 24-hour patrols throughout municipalities in Kosovo.
Coordinated patrols between KFOR and KP are a good example of KFOR’s support to the KSO in ensuring a safe and secure environment and in providing assistance to the KP officers in case they encounter a situation in which they require assistance or resources to effectively resolve.
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Mario Campbell, Alpha Co. 2-162 Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, is a platoon leader currently assigned to the KFOR Regional Command – East mission. He explains that the coordinated patrols they conduct with the Kosovo Police are a deterrence for illegal activity, and his Soldiers are meant to be somewhat of a force-multiplier for the KP.
“Smugglers and malign actors are less likely to take chances when they see both KP and KFOR collaborate together,” said Campbell. “It sends a message that someone is always watching, and it makes it harder for illegal activity to slip through the cracks.”
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Roup, Alpha Co. 2-162 Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, is a squad leader with Alpha Co.’s 3rd Platoon. He says his team also often cooperate alongside the KP supporting interdiction and anti-smuggling efforts as a part of their mission, mainly sharing information.
Roup sees their cooperation with the KP and their presence in the northern part of Kosovo to have multiple valuable aspects.
“Our mission is to link up with the Kosovo Border Police and conduct coordinated patrols,” said Roup. “I think our biggest objective is to create a low threat atmosphere for the local populous and these northern villages. That way they can see us as a force to help them and to know that they are safe and secure.”
Many troop contributing nations patrol throughout Kosovo, and all patrols are followed with a debrief in which any suspicious activities, interactions or people are logged. This data enables necessary decision making to ensure the safety and security of all communities living in Kosovo.
KFOR’s Maneuver Battalion are strategic in their patrol planning and increase the amount of coordinated patrols alongside the Kosovo Police when necessary.
The Command Sergeant Major of the Latvian Contingent assigned to KFOR Regional Command - East, Command Sgt. Maj. Arvis Solims explains the importance of their coordinated activities with the KP.
“Coordinated patrols with the Kosovo Police across various municipalities in Kosovo contribute significantly to situational awareness, community engagement, and early detection of potential security concerns,” said Solims. “Continued cooperation and coordinated activities are essential for sustaining progress and ensuring long-term stability.”
No matter the nationality, KFOR’s coordinated patrols have the goal of ensuring the KP are able to identify, deter and apprehend anyone who may be attempting to smuggle illegal goods or conduct illegal activities.
Campbell reiterates why KP coordinated patrols and partnerships with the communities of Kosovo are important to the KFOR mission success.
“Our job is to support, observe, and build trust. We’re not here to take the lead but to work side by side with KP,” said Campbell. “Our patrols show presence, strengthen relationships, and help the KP project authority in areas where that visibility matters.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2025 04:58 |
| Story ID: | 501318 |
| Location: | ZZ |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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