According to the 2025 Perception of the Police in Montenegro survey, respondents reported the highest level of trust in the Army, followed by the police, NGOs, and the media. Most notably, 81% of respondents expressed strong support for strengthening joint activities between citizens and the police to prevent crime in their communities.
These are some of the key findings from the 2025 Perception of the Police in Montenegro survey, commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted by the Damar Institute. The findings were presented to Police Director Lazar Šćepanović and representatives of the Police Directorate at an event organized at the Mission with Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukaas.
In 2025, the respondents cited organised crime (56%), drug addiction (55%), drug trafficking (52%) as the major threats, followed by corruption (49%) and murders (46%). High levels of concern were also recorded for domestic violence (44%), economic crime (42%), peer violence/safety in schools (41%), and road traffic safety (38%).
This year's research brings a slight improvement in the perception of the fight against organized crime, while the perception of criminal groups' influence on the work of the police records significate drop by 27% compared to 2023.
When it comes to firearms possession, the majority remain opposed to firearm ownership (86%), and respondents' views over the period shift toward stronger support for the legalisation of unregistered firearms - where there is a legal basis for possession. Compared to the previous year, satisfaction with the activities of the police in combating violations of the Law on Weapons was highlighted, recording more than 8% increase.
The Mission has supported police perception surveys for several years, generating evidence-based insights to improve police-community relations and inform policing reforms. The latest findings highlight citizens' strong support for closer co-operation between the police and communities in preventing crime.
During the meeting, an Analysis and Recommendations for the Implementation of Community Policing, prepared by a Mission-engaged expert, was also presented. Building on the strong public support for joint-police-community action highlighted in the survey, the Analysis outlines practical steps for strengthening community policing in Montenegro.
The analysis addresses several key thematic areas, including training and professional development of police officers, staffing structures, officer motivation, and communication strategy. It provides recommendations to support the Police Directorate in further developing a modern, community-oriented policing model that places strong emphasis on crime prevention and partnership with citizens.
The presentation of the survey and analysis provided an opportunity for the Mission and the Police Directorate to discuss the key findings and to identify areas where joint efforts can be further strengthened.
