Today, another proof that two important reforms - decentralization and the reform of the National Police - give a synergistic effect can be seen. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman stressed during a ceremony of the launch of the "Police Officer of the Community" project.

"Police Officer of the Community" is a joint project of communities and the National Police. The project is aimed to ensure that each consolidated community has a police officer who engages in its life, will be available 24 hours a day and help the community. According to the 2019-2020 project plan, 1624 policemen for the communities should be selected.

"The Government has two main tasks: firstly, to make the life of Ukrainian citizens better, and secondly, to guarantee that Ukrainians live in safety", the Head of Government said.

According to Volodymyr Groysman, the Government will direct funding to provide the police force in every nook of Ukraine with everything necessary for efficient and professional performing of their duty - maintaining public order and security.

In addition, the decentralization reform has provided new financial opportunities to communities, especially small cities and townships that can direct the funding for their education, medicine and including civil security.

Background

Police officers winners of a competitive selection pass a special preparatory course of international level (tactical training with simulation of situations, defensive driving, proactive skills, methods of interaction between the police and the community).

Selected police officers of the communities will receive centralized equipment: single-board, tablet PCs and body cameras, radio stations, special equipment, personal protective equipment, armaments, specialized vehicles.

Pilot project implementation in Dnipropetrovsk region began on 29 November 2018. 21 consolidated community (CC) and 1 rural council participate in the pilot project. There have been shortlisted 34 police officers from 107 candidates.

The pilot project implementation in Kirovohrad region began on 03 November 2018. 17 out of 20 active CCs expressed their desire to participate in the project, 12 of which have sufficient financial and technical potential to participate in the pilot project.