Some police officers could move to local authorities

Trade unions are unhappy after the decision taken this week by the National Supreme Defence Council, who has approved moving several police officers under the coordination of the local administration.

The measure, promoters say, is expected to increase the efficiency of the police.

The Minister of Interior, Traian Igaş, spoke on Tuesday about a transfer of approximately 7 000 police officers, without giving too many details.

"First of all, these police officers would lose nothing to their salaries, would not lose their status and their training would as well be made in police academia."

"What could be gained, firstly, is the fact that there is a clear and obvious distinction between the cities of our country, in terms of people behaviour, of the specific of the area, in many ways."

"And we cannot find an universal solution, at a national level and applicable to public order organizations", the Head of the Romanian Police, Liviu Popa, stated.

The Head of the Romanian Police claims that for now the concept of moving some police officers under the coordination of the local administration is not yet finalized, and the advantage is that policemen will be able to act according to local specifics.

Liviu Popa argues that this move may also have certain effects on the budget of the Ministry of Interior, as it would pay just a part of the salary.

The Head of the Romanian Police claims that this move could be made starting the beginning of next year.

"For this concept to be implemented, this involves the amendment of a rather large package of laws and I do not think this can be made overnight."

"I am confident that this concept can bring added value and thereby increasing the safety of citizens", Liviu Popa added.

The Head of the Romanian Police, Liviu Popa, also stated that the police officers who will be transferred within this measure are the ones in "Public safety" and "Road Traffic".

Translate by: Manuela Stancu
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University