Union of Unions: We are concerned about the health of police officers and resigned to the lack of a system

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Union of Independent Police Unions of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses concern for the health and lives of its members, police and state employees and officials whose work, due to the nature of the job and the exercise of official authority, is closely linked to direct contact with, among others, individuals infected or suspected of being infected with coronavirus.

"We feel particular resignation in situations where, while performing duties and tasks, we determine that there are no adequate systemic solutions and appropriate protocols for the actions of certain competent authorities, institutions and organizations, or responsible persons within them, which unnecessarily further risks the health and lives of police officers, i.e., our members. Illustrative examples of such undesirable situations occurred recently in Sarajevo when police officers, due to the lack of system integration and unpreparedness to accommodate an infected member of an international organization in an appropriate health institution, were forced to spend several hours in close contact with him, undoubtedly risking their lives and health. Furthermore, we note a worrying example in the Posavina Canton, where the facility designated for quarantine is secured by police officers without any separate space or police booth, and consequently, due to inadequate protective equipment and disinfectants, they are directly exposed to the possibility of coronavirus infection, a fact that the competent authorities have completely ignored despite the urgent warning from the Union of Employees of the Posavina Canton," the statement from the Union of Independent Police Unions of the FBiH reads.

Although we are aware of the fact that by accepting the honorable police profession, we simultaneously accept the obligation to give our health and lives for the citizens and their property, we cannot reconcile ourselves with the lack of systemic and adequate solutions that would reduce existing risks to the lowest possible level, it is added.

"The fact that coronavirus has already entered the police ranks and threatens to further complicate the existing security system in the country and society calls for urgent action from the competent authorities and responsible persons within them, in order to, in addition to providing adequate protection to police and state employees and officials, define clear and effective procedures aimed at avoiding unnecessary contact of police officers with persons whose accommodation is necessary in a health institution," the statement said.