Danijela Frangež

Short Resume

Danijela Frangež, Ph.D., is an associate professor of criminology and the head of the Chair of Criminal Investigation at the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor. Her research focuses on criminal investigation, different forms of violence, and trafficking in human beings.

Title of the presentation

Criminal Investigation in Slovenia: Challenges, Best Practices and Emerging Threats

Abstract

In the post-COVID-19 times, crime rates in Slovenia have returned to levels similar to those before the pandemic. In 2023, the number of reported crimes has increased across all crime categories: general, economic, organized, and juvenile. The police are facing challenges due to advanced communication technologies, which allow perpetrators to maintain anonymity, use encrypted communication, easily connect internationally, and exert control over their victims. Online fraud has also increased, leading the police to take proactive measures to raise awareness among potential victims. In their prevention efforts, the police have also focused on addressing other crimes, particularly peer violence. Future challenges will encompass all types of crime, especially organized crime and cybercrime, necessitating cooperation between institutions and countries, specialized knowledge and expertise of investigators, and digital support for police work. The presentation will highlight the challenges, best practices, and emerging threats that will require more attention in Slovenia in the future.

Keywords

criminal investigation, challenges, best practices, emerging threats, Slovenia