Video cameras will monitor public safety in Vitebsk along with law enforcement officers
Currently, the relevant equipment is installed only on Pobedy Square in the regional center. However, law enforcement agencies insist that these measures should be used much more widely, which will help in resolving issues of crime prevention and investigation. It is better to prevent a problem than to "deal with" its bitter consequences. And citizens will feel more protected.
The implementation of the State Program for Combating Crime and Corruption for 2010-2012 and the Program for Combating Crime and Corruption in the Vitebsk Region for 2012, and their analysis were the subject of the next meeting of the regional executive committee. As noted by the regional prosecutor Gennady Dysko, the activities of law enforcement agencies and all interested structures this year were focused on specific problems. The main innovation is the creation of the Investigative Committee and its participation in ensuring security. In general, a significant reduction in the crime rate was achieved. During the program's operation, the number of murders, robberies, thefts, and extortion cases decreased. The crime rate for 10 months per 10,000 people was 84.1 (for the republic, this figure is 89.6), which is 21 percent less than in the same period last year. At the same time, the situation varies across regions. The most regrettable picture is in Dokshytsy, Vitebsk, and Orsha districts. In Sharkovshchina, a large proportion of offenses are committed while intoxicated. In six districts, an increase in recidivism is observed. Unfortunately, only 43 percent of thefts are solved. This problem is particularly relevant for Vitebsk, Orsha, and Polotsk. 309 corruption offenses were recorded, of which 41 percent were abuse of official powers, and 37 percent were bribery.
One of, perhaps, the most pressing issues is the fight against drunkenness. Every third crime in the region is committed by intoxicated individuals. Although, at the same time, fewer people were brought to administrative responsibility for drinking alcohol in public places than in 2011. But it is precisely under the influence of alcohol that many begin to "get into trouble." Hence the facts of workplace injuries and thefts at enterprises where an intoxicated guard is on duty. Firstly, according to the governor, such cases must be urgently eliminated. If an intoxicated person is found at the workplace, they should be sent to a therapeutic and preventive labor facility (LTP) to be given a chance to reform. If they do not want to work and earn money, then they should be fired. However, not only guards are to blame for thefts at enterprises, but also managers who have not provided state property with locking devices. Discipline in this regard needs to be strengthened. It is also alarming that about 79 percent of fires occur due to "drunken" smoking. In this regard, the issue of reducing the production of fruit and berry wines in the Vitebsk region was raised again. Alexander Kosinets instructed to organize the replacement of production within 2013-2014, as, for example, the plant in Tolochin has already done by launching the production of improved quality wines. However, one should not forget about educational work within the team. Many in our society lack a fundamental element – a drinking culture.
As a result, children also suffer from such unfortunate parents. Unfortunately, in the Dvina region, more than 2,000 minors are in a socially dangerous situation. On this issue, the chairman of the regional executive committee instructed to deal with it immediately. Children's safety is the most important thing. Including on the road. Therefore, proper conditions for ensuring children's safety must be created near all educational institutions.
The issue of offenses among youth remains acute. It is alarming that 189 thefts were committed by minors, 32 of whom are not studying anywhere. Close attention must be paid to the employment of adolescents, including during extracurricular time.
Alexander Nikolaevich is also dissatisfied with the work of the patrol and post service.
– We will need mounted police, scooters – we will help. You asked for 21 vehicles – we have already purchased 13. We will also install video surveillance cameras where necessary. But then, please ensure security. The public needs to get more actively involved in solving these issues: volunteer patrols, youth law enforcement detachments.
The head of the internal affairs department of the regional executive committee, Igor Evseev, has also been recommended to evaluate the activities of the heads of the internal affairs departments and pay attention to personnel. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of personnel in the authorities. District inspectors need help with housing issues. Local authorities are ready to lend a hand. After all, the safety of every resident is a common issue, in which there are no outsiders.