Results of the Discussion on the Police Reform Concept

The discussion on the police reform concept, conducted on the platform of the “Personnel Reserve” campaign, has been completed.

The future structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is envisioned by the authors of the concept as including a central office, support institutions and units, as well as departments with expanded responsibilities (the Police Department, Migration Service, and Border Police). It is planned to abolish several bodies, including the Investigative Committee and the State Forensic Committee, with their functions transferred to the Police Department. The Internal Troops are also expected to be reorganized into a National Guard.

During the preparation of the draft, the experience of the Georgian police reform (2004–2011) was partially used, along with the involvement of international expert Hatia Dekanoidze (Director of the Police Academy of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (2007–2012) and Head of the National Police of Ukraine (2015–2016)).

Participants of the discussion submitted a number of proposals. Some of them were included in the draft, including:

• adoption of a Police Code of Ethics;
• redistribution of responsibilities between criminal and patrol police, including support for precinct officers;
• restructuring of the police system in line with administrative-territorial reforms;
• merit-based recruitment, including open competition instead of informal selection;
• revision of legal regulations related to police activity.

Some proposals were not included due to their secondary regulatory nature or because they were outside the scope of the concept. These included:

• lack of a procedure for police lustration (expected to be regulated by a separate law);
• creation of a “Virtual Police Officer” section in the “Electronic Police of Belarus” system, where citizens could discuss issues and propose solutions;
• sending Ministry of Internal Affairs cadets to police academies in other countries;
• creation of civil society organizations for public oversight;
• 24/7 access to detainees.

Next steps: after completing the police reform concept, it is planned to discuss the overall structure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as reforms of other law enforcement bodies (the Prosecutor’s Office, State Security services, and Justice system).

The discussion demonstrated citizens’ strong demand for democratic changes in law enforcement, the importance of international experience, and the need for solutions aligned with public interests. The draft reflects key expectations for transparency, professionalism, and stronger public oversight. At the same time, it preserves a centralized police structure adapted to modern challenges and national specifics.