Police Reform

Results of the Round table to discuss the Draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan

As it was previously published, the round table to discuss the Draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Police" was held from 8 to 11 October 2014 in the premises of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) State Traffic Police.

While opening the event, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of RT Major General Umarzoda Ikrom expressed his gratitude to the OSCE Office in Tajikistan (OiT) for continuously provided assistance to the MIA RT.

The Head of the OSCE OiT Ambassador Markus Mueller emphasized that "in the Police Reform Strategy, approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2013, the priority areas for OSCE police related activities are identified. It includes, inter alia, the development of a national legal framework within which the police can effectively carry out its tasks in accordance with the principles of the rule of law and national legislation. Therefore it is determined in the Strategy that the development of the Draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Police" is planned on the first stage. Its adoption would entail not only a change in the name from "militia" to "police", but also in the definition of the main police functions and tasks, change in personnel policy, carrying out within a short period of time. "

He has noted that not enough attention has been paid to the meaning "value approach" while stressing "the professional work of the police", one element of which is the responsiveness and sensitivity to the needs of those to whom police provides its services. Professionalism – albeit a crucial component, but not the only activity of the police in accordance with human rights principles. That is why we would like to see in the Law "On Police" - the police interaction with the public - or community involvement to identify the crime problems and violations of the order, as well as their decisions based on the understanding that the police alone cannot do it. This is both the establishment of the Public Council on the Civil Society Assistance to Police Reform and Public Councils promoting the protection of public order, in partnership with the community, as well as the adoption of a new edition of the Code of Police Ethics, which should include the performance assessment of internal affairs management at all levels.

The OSCE international expert Mr. Slawomir Cybulski made a presentation on police reform in Poland. He spoke about the structure of the Polish police, the management and control of the police activities, community policing, as well as about the arrangement of police training. He also clarified his comments on the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Police".

In his speech, Major General Kabirzoda Jurakhon Head of Organizational and Inspection Department of the MIA RT shared information on the status of the Draft Law "On Police".

Police Reform National Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bobonazarzoda Alijon told about the innovations that have been introduced while drafting the Law "On Police".

Counter Terrorism and Police Adviser of the OSCE OiT Mr. Peter Hajnik made a presentation on the topic: "Community Policing models abroad." He outlined how the police effectively manage its work through cooperation with the community and brought an example of the best practices abroad.

During the round table the comments to the Draft Law "On Police" were given by the representatives of Sub-Working Groups "Civil Society Assistance to Police Reform" from Dushanbe, Sughd region, Rasht group of districts, Kurgan-Tube zone, Kulyab zone and GBAO, as well as national experts.

During the four days, the draft law "On Police" was considered and discussed Clause by Clause. A lively discussion was held, where participants received full answers to their questions.

In general, the event was held successfully and productively. As a result the recommendations were made on the Draft Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Police."