Selimović: Crime rate significantly down in the last 20 days

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Police officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton have carried out over 20,000 checks related to all issued orders during the period since the declaration of a natural disaster caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is a huge task that has been assigned as an additional duty to the police, but there is no doubt that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton and the Police Directorate will implement all assigned tasks in the most efficient way," stated Police Commissioner Nusret Selimović.

He particularly emphasized that the legal procedure for violators of self-isolation, who pose a significant risk to all citizens of the Sarajevo Canton, has finally been completed. One such individual was transported under police escort and in an ambulance vehicle and forcibly isolated in designated premises of the Student Dormitory at Bjelave. Currently, 86 of our fellow citizens who returned from Sweden, France, and Italy are in quarantine at Bjelave.

"According to the precise instructions provided, we will implement measures of placement in forced isolation for all individuals who violate isolation. These facilities are secured by police officers and a security agency that ensures order and peace within the premises," said Selimović.

Activities are continuously undertaken for the self-protection of police officers due to the danger that the outbreak of infection among members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton would cause. Sufficient protective equipment has been procured, and each police officer, in addition to a mask and gloves, has also been issued a visor, which provides additional protection for police officers. All premises and vehicles used by both police and state officials at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton are regularly disinfected.

Only six police officers are currently in self-isolation at their homes, based on the verbal recommendation of the competent epidemiological services.

As the Police Commissioner pointed out, the crime rate has significantly decreased in the past 20 days. The number of traffic accidents has also decreased. There has been an increase in offenses, which is logical, resulting from the failure to implement the ordered measures related to combating the coronavirus infection.

Two attempted murders were also recorded in the areas of the municipalities of Novi Grad and Novo Sarajevo. Both incidents have been solved and documented from a police perspective. The individuals have been apprehended, and further proceedings are continuing at the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office.