Національна академія внутрішніх справ

EU set up a project «Support to Police Reform in Ukraine» (SPRU) with 6€ mln funding. Its aim is defined as improvement of cooperation with community in 20 police units in three Ukrainian regions. This project is launched in the framework of EUAM strategic planning and will be executed during 18 months by representatives of Swedish police and UNOPS with support of EUAM.

Key elements of the project were presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli, Deputy Head of National Police of Ukraine Kostiantyn Bushuiev, Head of EUAM Kęstutis Lančinskas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Ukraine Martin Hagström, Deputy Head of SWEPOL Peace Support Operations Unit Ann-Sofi Jakobsson and Head of UNOPS in Ukraine Armen Chobanian.

Arsen Avakov explained that this project would be executed as an experiment in 20 police units of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv regions with provision of required technical support – IT-equipment, transport and logistics.

«We realize that 20 units out of 700 is a small step but it will take many of these steps to move towards the chosen model, from the visual image to fixed comprehensive component. All we want is to create a perfect police unit for you to come and be treated with due respect and competence».

Deputy Head of National Police of Ukraine Kostiantyn Bushuiev noted that the chosen 20 units were picked after completion of regional sociological surveys (so called “high-stress” regions)..

One of the districts included in the experiment is Izium district (Kharkiv region) located in close proximity to the ATO zone.

Arsen Avakov stressed that «for us it is a matter of principle to engage this particular location but nevertheless any experiment does not free the staff from their direct responsibility to maintain peace and security».

«Cooperation between police and local communities, sustainable public order and human rights protection are defined as project priorities and key indicators of law enforcement efficiency and integrity» stated Kęstutis Lančinskas.

General description

Concept of cooperation between police and community (community policing) is aimed at improving the relations between law enforcement and citizens in different formats – e.g. via establishment of advisory groups involving representatives of local communities, state authorities, enterprises and religious organizations. «Community policing» model can also function as prevention and investigation tool (detection of crime-fostering factors).

Project stipulates complete refurbishment of 20 unit premises equipping the staff with 15 police vehicles. Leadership workshops for senior and middle-ranked officers are planned to be held along with specialized training sessions for police staff (e.g. stress management course).

Scandinavian model of public order maintenance stipulates prevention of excessive force and violence during mass events’ securing (public campaigns, meetings, sport competitions and matches etc) by facilitating constant communication between law enforcement and citizens, meticulous planning and risk analysis. The key principle in this case is to provide all types of support to the event participants protecting and promoting their democratic rights.