OSCE, Saferworld promote community policing in Tajikistan by training public councils’ members

Strengthening police and community interaction to address safety and security issues affecting communities was the focus of a series of training courses conducted by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in co-operation with the international organization Saferworld.

The training courses took place in Romit district and the towns of Nurek and Guliston  in October and November 2018. They brought together 86 representatives of Tajik police and public councils from all regions of Tajikistan.

At the training courses, the participants and national experts discussed the Provision on Public Councils and Police Reform Strategy and Programme. The participants received practical training in methods of communication with citizens, while working on a sample working plan for community policing. The joint training helped to further enhance the already close co-operation between the regional public councils and police institutions in the framework of the ongoing police reform.

“Promoting the principles of community policing will help our citizens to better discuss and monitor the process of police transition in Tajikistan.  The participants had a practical exercise aiming the development of close co-ordination with local governments and addressing the specific needs of the communities,” said Rifat Yuldoshev, Professor at the Academy of Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry, who was one of the trainers.

Quzratullo Gulomov, Senior Adviser to Tajikistan’s Interior Minister, noted: “The OSCE is helping to increase the knowledge of members of the public councils about new approaches to policing in Tajikistan. We appreciate our co-operation in this area and pay special attention to fostering police and community interaction on all levels.”