The Chamber of Deputies unanimously passed this week a draft law on creating the Local Police, in charge with public order, protection of goods, traffic on public roads, legality in the construction sector and street billboards, commercial activity, and citizens’ ID records. The act was initiated by the Government and actually provides for turning the present Community Police into Local Police.
Local Police officers will be trained by the Ministry of Interior, which will also certify them, but the new institution will be coordinated by the Local Council, through a commission that will include Police chief, local counsellors, mayor, and the chief of Gendarmerie.
During debates in Parliament, opposition Social Democrats criticised the idea of dismantling the Community Police, explaining that it is abnormal for Police to take over the duties of municipality inspectors. “Romania does not need to become a police state,” Deputy Doru Frunzulica said. He was contradicted by ruling Democrat Liberal Party Deputy Sulfina Barbu, who explained that Local Police is necessary and the law clearly states its attributions.
previous post
