The level of public trust in the police in the Vitebsk region is the highest in the country

Every year, the staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs studies public opinion regarding the work of the police. "We already have preliminary data, according to which the level of full trust in the police from the population of the Vitebsk region is 68.8%. And this is not the first year that we have the highest indicator in the country. The nationwide indicator is 65.5%. All this indicates that law enforcement agencies - not only us, but also the prosecutor's office, the State Security Committee, and other силовые структуры - are doing everything to ensure the public, personal, and property security of our citizens," noted Viktor Senko.

As proof, he cited data on the crime situation in 2016. The crime rate per 10,000 population was 90.9 crimes (nationwide - 97.9) and decreased in almost all areas of work. It is especially important that, including for serious and especially serious crimes - by 19.4%. Fewer murders, grievous bodily harm, robberies, burglaries, thefts, etc. were registered. This positive trend has been observed for the last few years. "The clearance rate in criminal investigation has increased. Moreover, for serious and especially serious crimes, it was 92.6%. I analyzed the indicators for the last 5 years - we have not had a higher clearance rate. Unfortunately, one murder out of 52 still remains unsolved. But we are working hard on this case," added the head of the Internal Affairs Directorate. People's trust is based not only on the quality of the police's work but also on the opinion of each individual law enforcement officer. Therefore, the selection process is quite strict, and candidates must meet many criteria. So, although many people, even women, apply for service, only a few get to wear the uniform, and the staffing level always has a working reserve.

"Today, we are guided not by the quantity but by the quality of candidates for service. Each undergoes a polygraph test, their physical condition, health, and so on are checked. Sometimes facts are revealed

consumption of drugs by young people and other things. There is no point in hiding the fact that the problems that exist in society also exist in our team. Last year, 9 criminal cases were initiated against 3 of our employees, 8 employees drove vehicles while intoxicated. These are unacceptable things. We have drawn conclusions from this and are very scrupulous about the selection of candidates for service," Viktor Senko assured. He added that when extending the contract, each traffic police officer also undergoes a polygraph test. Those who do not pass the examination do not have their contracts extended.

Ekaterina Kniazeva - BELTA.