The decision on the organization and functioning of volunteer policing has been published in the Official Gazette. All interested persons aged 18-65 can volunteer, free of charge, to support the State Police through the auxiliary structure of the Volunteer Police, but they will be trained and certified to perform certain tasks.
The purpose of this decision is to improve public safety, strengthen the capacities of State Police structures and encourage civic engagement, by promoting cooperation between the police and the community to increase trust and prevent illegal activities, in accordance with the legislation in force.
Volunteer police officers are trained by the Security Academy and the number of those who will serve is determined each year by the Director General of the State Police, who, based on the needs and proposals of local police directorates, determines the number of volunteer police officers.
But what will be the distinguishing marks of volunteer police officers?
In order for the volunteer police officer to be as comfortable and safe as possible during his volunteer work, it is foreseen that he will have his equipment, distinctive signs and identifying clothing. We mention the stamp of the volunteer police officer's distinctive sign, fluorescent vest and jacket, blue sports cap with identifying logo, hand sign "Stop", where the word volunteer police is written, etc.
Volunteer police officers engage in managing order at mass events, assist in regulating traffic, patrol near educational institutions, assist in crime prevention, environmental and property protection, support border police, and participate in civil emergency and search and rescue operations.
According to the decision, the service of volunteer police officers does not last more than 5 hours per day and 25 hours per week.