OSCE police assistance programme helps organize Police Day in Bishkek

BISHKEK, 6 June 2005 - Raising awareness of police activities and developing a closer relationship with the public were the aims of a Police Open Day in Bishkek, organized on Saturday by the OSCE Police Assistance Programme.

"It is good to see that today police and citizens understand the necessity of establishing better interaction," said Ambassador Markus Muller, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "This event is a sign of a new approach towards police work in Kyrgyzstan."

Children and their parents had a chance to see authentic police equipment and ride a police motorcycle. They took part in different entertainment activities, including a drawing competition, a drama class and a singing contest, saw performances by local musicians and pop singers.

"For many years our law enforcement bodies were holding the so-called punitive position, mainly associated with punishment for people," said Rustam Mamyrov, Head of Bishkek's Public Security Department. "Community policing has changed the negative attitude towards police officers and is turning the policeman into a protector and a friend."

Suvanaliev Omurbek, Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Interior Minister, said: "The OSCE Police Assistance programme is crucial for us. The rights and legal interests of citizens should be a priority for police officers."