In the Schengen Area, the free movement of people is one of Europe’s greatest successes. Crime, however, does not respect national borders. Dangerous criminals can move from one Member State to another within minutes. During the so-called “Golden Hour”, the reliable communication between national police operations centres is not just beneficial—it is vital.

Criminals do not wait for administrative procedures. Unless police operations centres in EU Member States are connected systematically and continuously, Europe risks losing its ability to protect lives and effectively ensure public safety. European security starts with sharing information—in real time, without barriers, across borders.

Several factors highlight the need for immediate and systemic improvements:

• Open borders allow for rapid escape (criminals can leave the crime scene almost immediately).
• Integrated motorway networks speed up transit. Cross-border movement can occur faster than law enforcement agencies can mobilise.
• Limited response time. Every minute of delay significantly reduces the likelihood of apprehension.
• Threat transfer. A violent offender can quickly shift the risk to a neighbouring state.

There have been real cases where police authorities in neighbouring countries were not informed of serious security incidents (including terrorist attacks) within the “Golden Hour”, preventing them from taking immediate preventive measures such as targeted border checks.

The role of OC TIG

The Technology Interest Group of Operational Centres within the European Network of Law Enforcement Technology Services (OC TIG ENLETS) works to create conditions for faster cross-border information exchange between operational centres, particularly during the “Golden Hour” following the commission of a serious crime with potential cross-border impact.

Great emphasis is placed on the implementation of new technologies. One of the most anticipated initiatives is the EU Critical Communications System (EUCCS), which aims to enhance secure cross-border communications for police patrols in the field.

However, a critical gap remains: the lack of an integrated communication platform within the EUCCS for operational command and control. While connectivity at patrol level is essential, effective cross-border intervention depends equally on coordinated decision-making and command structures at the level of operations centres on both sides of the border.

Without structured real-time coordination between national police operations centres, real joint action cannot be achieved—even if field units are technically interconnected.

Our aim is to:

• Support the creation of a pan-European network of national police operations centres.
• Ensure real-time, secure and interoperable cross-border communications at command level.
• Advocate for the integration of the operations centre communication platform within the EUCCS.

Effective cross-border security is not a theoretical concept—it is a practical necessity. The protection of European citizens depends on our ability to act together, immediately and without hindrance.

Pavel Bouberle

Operational Centres TIG leader