The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in joint efforts with Tajikistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) conducted a series of one-day meetings with heads of MIA departments and members of Public Councils on Police Reform (PC) to discuss the implementation progress of police reform and community policing. The event took place from 28 March to 12 April across the Khatlon region of Tajikistan.
The meetings aimed to discuss approaches being undertaken in the framework of police reform, especially deepening community and police co-operation. The meetings helped to exchange views and increase knowledge of police and members of PCs on community policing. Effective approaches to improving police-community relations, and countering radicalization and extremism among youth were also discussed.
Some 2,100 participants, including heads of MIA departments, members of regional and district PCs, and representatives of civil society, of which 377 were female participants, took part in the meetings.
"The police reform aims at strengthening police interaction with local communities, increasing the effectiveness of police work in the regions, accessibility of law enforcement's assistance for the population, preventing crime, and building trust between the public and the police," said Colonel Hamdamzoda Valikhon Hamdam, the National Coordinator for Police Reform. "The OSCE significantly contributes its best efforts to support the Interior Ministry in the implementation of the Police Reform Strategy," added Hamdamzoda.
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe will continue supporting the Ministry of Internal Affairs in implementing the Police Reform Strategy and promoting the concept of community policing in Tajikistan.
