The political party "Save Sofia" published its opinion on the prepared changes to the Regulation, which determines how the "Municipal Police" units work in the country. According to attorney Hristo Koparanov - deputy chairman of the committee on public order and security in the Municipal Council, the time has come for a key modernization of the structure, so that it can actually guarantee public order and security in the city. "It is high time for municipalities not only to pay for the "Municipal Police", but also to benefit from it," he said.
From "Save Sofia" emphasize that large cities and Sofia as the capital are special cases that must be taken into account when amending the ordinance. “In cities with regional divisions, it is important to clearly regulate the role of regional administrations in order to have clarity, efficiency and accountability“, explained Koparanov. He also pointed out that it is necessary to refine the relationships between the bodies of the Ministry of Interior and the mayor in order to avoid the transfer of responsibilities between institutions. “It must be clearly regulated that in the event of a conflict between the bodies, the responsibility for order in the municipality lies with its mayor. This way we guarantee that the Municipal Police is truly municipal, and not just another unit of the Ministry of Interior whose salary is paid by someone else”, Koparanov also said. According to “Save Sofia”, mayors should have the opportunity to assign other tasks related to order in the city to the Municipal Police. This will allow for a more flexible and adequate response to local problems related to the security of citizens.
“We support the proposal to expand the powers of the Municipal Police. It must be able to participate not only in prevention, but also in the suppression of violations and crimes in order to be a real and visible partner of society“, said Attorney Koparanov.
The opinion also includes a proposal to create an effectively working Zoo Police. “Our city has a serious problem with uncontrolled breeding and trade in animals, as well as with cases of cruelty. A unit is needed that can monitor, sanction and act adequately on these issues“, said the representative of “Save Sofia“.
Koparanov also emphasized the need for more serious control over the use of electric scooters and e-scooters, which increasingly threaten the safety of pedestrians in parks and gardens.
“It is important to understand that the regulatory framework from the ministry is only part of the necessary reform. Much will also depend on the content of the contract between the municipality and the Ministry of Interior, on the coordination between the institutions, as well as on the personnel and material support of the Municipal Police“, concluded Koparanov. According to him, in order to be effective, the Municipal Police must be a unit that inspires respect, radiates dignity and really cares about the order and security of the people in the city.