Reforms in the Police System Will Not Lead to Staff Cuts, Deputy Police Chief

Reforms being implemented in the police system will not lead to staff cuts. This assurance was given by the Deputy Police Chief of Armenia, Tigran Esayan.

Earlier, the Ministry of Justice presented the strategy for reforming the police system along with the associated program for 2020-2023. The discussion of the strategy included a debate with representatives from interested agencies and organizations.

According to the program, the content of the patrol service will change, becoming multi-profiled, with new criteria and services, as well as the establishment of a detective institute, among others.

Esayan confirmed that the transition to a new working approach will not result in staff cuts. At the same time, he admitted that only those who meet the higher standards will remain in the new patrol service, while those who do not will be transferred to other units of the police.

Furthermore, the new criteria imply a new quality of training. Regarding allegations of improper conduct during various incidents, the deputy chief noted that the issue does not lie in legislative gaps, but rather in the subjective attitudes of police officers.

Moreover, after the reforms, the police will maintain its functions in preserving public order and protecting key facilities. Tigran Esayan also reported on the successful implementation of a program to equip police departments with surveillance cameras. Already, 10 precincts have been equipped, with more cameras installed than originally planned. The program is expected to be fully completed by 2023.