29/11/2011

Ferizaj/Urosevac, 29 November; FIQ and Saferworld have organised a roundtable discussion on the topic "Implementation of new policing methodology and relation with work of MCSCs"
Municipal Community Safety Councils (MCSCs) of Ferizaj/Urosevac, Shtime/Stimlje, and Hani i Elezit, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kosovo Police (General Directorate) and Regional Directorate in Ferizaj/Urosevac,EULEX- Police Component, ICITAP, media and others participated in this roundtable discussion, where practical implementation of new community policing methodology, and relation with the work of MCSCs with this approach of the Kosovo Police were discussed.

Colonel Fahredin Vërbovci, introduced contents of the KP internal document concerning the community policing work methodology. It started in 5 pilot municipalities in Spring (Prishtinë/Pristina, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Pejë/Pec, Shtërpcë/Strpce), while as of September 1st, 2011 upon decision of the KP General Directorate is being implemented Kosovo-wide.  
He mentioned effects to be expected, such as closer relationship with citizens, service to community, and feeling of increased security/safety. He spoke also about advantages and weaknesses of this KP work philosophy, and he also said that KP is making its first assessment of its implementation.   
Colonel Izet Azizi, the regional KP director in Ferizaj/Urosevac, said that in the Regional Directorate, the police station in Kaçanik has taken concrete steps concerning implementation of it, with heads of sections have held meetings with village administrators. They have shown their willingness to cooperate and share information, but they have asked that KP should be accountable for cases and its work. At the second meeting with them, the KP has shared its 9-month report on its work, stressed out Azizi.

He said that contacts will be established also with other civic groups and institutions that belong to this sector.   

Other discussions were oriented towards support that members of MCSCs who represent various civic groups could provide.

It was also requested that citizens should be informed about meaning of community policing methodology through direct contacts with them, as well as by disseminating of informational materials.

It was said that once there is a scheme with names of police officers of each of the sections, they should look into experiences form other countries, such as Montenegro, where names and phone numbers of community police officers are published on premises and buildings within neighbourhoods of a section.