Šaljić initiated the formation of a reserve force for the MUP of KS

(Patria) - Member of the Sarajevo Canton (KS) Assembly Jasmin Šaljić (SBiH) submitted an initiative to form a reserve/auxiliary police force for the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) of KS.

- Our response should not be just a reaction, but a rational response to existing security challenges - said Šaljić addressing the 24th regular session of the KS Assembly today.

He believes that a reserve/auxiliary police force in Sarajevo Canton would be of great benefit, for several reasons.

- A chronic shortage of police officers in Sarajevo Canton is evident. The lack of coverage in the field is obvious - citizens can see that too.

And with the current capacities of the Police Academy in Vrace, it would take at least three years for cadets from KS alone to complete their training, enter employment, and fill vacant positions according to the systematization - Šaljić states.

At the same time, he adds, other cantons facing the same problems also use the Academy.

- Additionally, the police sector is undergoing a natural generational shift. Many officers hired during and immediately after the aggression, the generations from 1996-1997, are eligible for retirement.

It is expected that around 150 police officers will retire from the MUP of KS this year. Similar numbers are expected in the next two years.

The lack of personnel directly affects the safety of citizens, their property, and public order and peace - Šaljić points out.

He recalls that in the last four weeks, we have witnessed robberies, fights, murders, violent behavior, the use of firearms, and even the throwing of a hand grenade in a populated area.

- Cameras, applications, and technology cannot replace a live police officer. Citizens value the feeling of security that comes only when they see a foot or car patrol unit in their neighborhoods, streets, parking lots, and intersections.

One of the reasons for action is the announcements from the entity of Republika Srpska about the formation of a so-called auxiliary police force of Republika Srpska. It is not a problem to form a reserve/auxiliary police force; only political will is needed to issue a public call, as there are capacities in all police administrations.

The public call can state that priority will be given to candidates who participated in testing in previous public competitions and achieved good results, and who are registered in the documentation held by the MUP of KS, provided they are not older than 30 years.

Assign a mentor to the reserve police officer during their work, i.e., an active police officer, and depending on their work and commitment, the heads of police administrations will send them for regular training at the Vraca Police Academy.

These activities will require certain financial resources, which will be allocated by the KS Government. I have not stated the exact number of missing police officers and financial resources for justified security reasons - Šaljić said.

He sent his initiative to the Government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Assembly of Sarajevo Canton.