OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports local institutions in strengthening community policing

Strengthening co-operation between the police, local authorities, and communities is key to identifying local security concerns and developing joint solutions that improve community safety. To support this, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a workshop in Bar from 7 to 9 October for representatives of the police, municipalities and experts in community policing.

The workshop focused on the role of future Local Safety Councils as practical mechanisms for identifying, prioritizing and solving local security challenges and improving community safety.  Participants discussed the establishment and functioning of these Councils, the roles and responsibilities of their members, and how the Councils can serve as platforms for dialogue, enabling local stakeholders to identify community security concerns, exchange perspectives and develop joint responses to local problems.

The programme featured a case study on the public forum discussions model in Croatia, alongside sessions on the principles and practical application of community policing, problem-oriented policing, and lessons learned from police reform in Northern Ireland. Participants examined how police and communities can work together to mobilise local resources, address safety concerns and develop sustainable solutions, rather than relying solely on reactive responses to individual incidents. 

Facilitated by two international community policing experts, the workshop combined interactive discussions and group work. Participants developed recommendations and a roadmap for institutional action to further advance public forum discussions and community policing practices in Montenegro.

The Mission continues to support accountable, community-oriented, and professional policing, including the development of local mechanisms that strengthen co-operation between institutions and communities in addressing security challenges in Montenegro.