Analytics, Crime, Legislation, Security

Photo: lrp.lt

The geopolitical situation that Lithuania finds itself in at present raises new challenges for the police. According to Grybauskaite, people all across Lithuania must feel safe at any given time.

It was emphasised at the meeting that the public's confidence in the police has grown in recent years, more young people are choosing to become police officers. The head of state favourably assessed the ongoing reform of the criminal police.

The president said that the rotation must not only continue but expand. The process cannot become a refuge for inactive officers lacking responsibility.

The president brought to police chiefs' notice that the qualification of pre-trial investigation officers has to be improved. Today one third of them still do not have a degree in law, although how cases end depends on their professionalism and collection of evidence in the first stage.

The head of state remarked that currently police solves only slightly more than half of all recorded crimes. The number of road traffic accidents, injured and killed on the road is increasing again. Moreover, there is a 12% upsurge in crime related to narcotics.

Grybauskaite also emphasised the necessity to improve co-operation of police officers and prosecutors in pre-trial investigations.

The head of state believes that the success of police work highly depends on good relations with the public. Thus, it is important to initiate and support new safety ideas, especially in rural areas and towns.

Grybauskaite thinks residents should be invited to join safe neighbourhood groups and co-operate with the police. Every police officer should earn respect from society and become an example of responsibility, courage and dedication.