Research on the Impact of the Quality of Training and Equipment of the Police for the Application of Police Powers in High-Risk Situations on the Safety of Citizens in Montenegro and Comparative Experiences
Research on the Impact of the Quality of Training and Equipment of the Police for the Application of Police Powers in High-Risk Situations on the Safety of Citizens in Montenegro and Comparative Experiences

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, the author researched the impact of the quality of police training and equipment for the application of police powers on the safety of citizens and the protection of their freedoms and rights, with an emphasis on dealing with high-risk situations. The goal of the study is to determine whether police officers are educated and equipped for the efficient and professional application of police powers in accordance with the standards of police conduct after the largest mass murder in this country was committed in 2022. The sample included 549 respondents from the General Police Sector and the Crime Suppression Sector, which is 40.33% of the total number of employees. The results of the study show that 38% of surveyed police officers have fully mastered the legal aspects of holding, carrying and using firearms and the basics of ballistics and shooting techniques, while 34% of police officers have partially mastered this subject and 28% of police officers have not been trained in this area. The practical aspects of the safe handling of firearms were fully mastered by 34% of police officers, 36% of police officers partially mastered practical training, while 30% of police officers were not trained in safe handling of firearms. Practical shooting with firearms, from pistols and revolvers, at a circular target 50×50 cm at 15 meters with 5 test bullets and 10 for evaluation and a chest target at 10 meters with 10 bullets for evaluation, was done every 6–8 years of work in the service for the members of the criminal police, while the members of the uniformed police had this activity every 4–6 years of working in the police. Thirty-two percent of the police officers shot at moving and rotating targets, while 68% of the police officers only shot at static targets. 31% of the police officers had taken a knowledge test from the theoretical and practical part of shooting training, while 69% of police officers had not taken a single knowledge test in this area. Fifty-seven percent of respondents consider that police officers who perform police and patrol activities do not have the equipment to protect themselves and react to dangerous situations. Most police officers do not have long-barreled firearms in the vehicle, protective vests, ballistic helmets and shields, day-night binoculars, safety glasses, gloves, medical kits, etc. The conclusions of this paper indicate the necessity of constant and high-quality police training and modern equipment as a guarantee of successful and efficient performance of police duties. Research findings will benefit decision-makers in identifying problems and initiating mechanisms to improve the situation and remove obstacles in police work.

• Details
• Contents