More than half of Montenegrin citizens believe that organized crime, drug addiction, and drug trafficking are the main threats in the country, followed by corruption, murder, and domestic violence, according to the 2025 Perceptions of the Police in Montenegro survey.
The results of the research, commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted by the Damar Institute, were presented to the Director of the Police Administration, Lazar Šćepanović, and representatives of that institution, in the presence of the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukas.
The OSCE stated that 81 percent of respondents said they strongly support strengthening joint activities between citizens and the police in preventing crime in the community.
"Respondents cited organized crime (56 percent), drug addiction (55 percent), drug trafficking (52 percent), followed by corruption (49 percent) and murder (46 percent) as the main threats in 2025," the statement said.
It is stated that high levels of concern were also recorded regarding domestic violence (44 percent), economic crime (42 percent), peer violence/school safety (41 percent) and traffic safety (38 percent).
"This year's survey brings a slight improvement in the perception of the fight against organized crime, while the perception of the influence of criminal groups on police work recorded a significant decline of 27 percent compared to 2023," the statement said.
The majority of respondents said they still oppose firearm ownership (86 percent).
"And respondents' views over the period are shifting towards stronger support for the legalization of unregistered firearms – where there is a legal basis for possession," the statement added.
The Mission, as announced, has been supporting research on police perceptions for several years, generating evidence-based insights to improve police-community relations and inform policing reforms.
"The latest findings highlight strong citizen support for closer cooperation between police and communities in crime prevention," the statement said.
During the meeting, the Analysis and Recommendations for the Implementation of Community Policing, prepared by an expert hired by the Mission, was also presented.
"Building on the strong public support for joint police-community action highlighted in the research, the Analysis describes practical steps to strengthen community policing in Montenegro," the statement said.
The analysis, it added, addresses several key thematic areas, including the training and professional development of police officers, the employment structure, officer motivation, and communication strategy.
"It provides recommendations to support the Police Department in further developing a modern, community-oriented model of policing that places a strong emphasis on crime prevention and partnership with citizens," the statement said.
It is stated that the presentation of the research and analysis provided the Mission and the Police Directorate with an opportunity to discuss key findings and to identify areas where joint efforts can be further strengthened.
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