Vetting is a key step in restoring citizens' trust and strengthening the integrity of the police service, said Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović.
Last night, October 2nd - Interior Affairs Day - was marked in Podgorica, marking the 194th anniversary of the formation of the first police organization in Montenegro - the Guard.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) said that this date, deeply rooted in the history and identity of Montenegro, was marked with dignity - as a sign of tradition, professionalism and respect for all members of the internal affairs system who contribute to the security of the state and citizens every day.
Šaranović said that Internal Affairs Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a reminder of the state's centuries-old obligation to preserve internal peace, order and security.
"This day is dedicated to the people who prove every day that the security of the state rests on their courage, ability and determination. Your work and dedication ensure that order, law and the security of the citizens of Montenegro remain protected," emphasized Šaranović.
Speaking about the establishment of the award named after his heroically martyred colleague Slavoljub Šćekić, he emphasized that it will permanently symbolize humanity, courage, and the fight for justice without compromise.
Speaking about the reforms, Šaranović emphasized that the vetting process is a key step in restoring citizens' trust and strengthening the integrity of the police service.
"Veting, which is implemented decisively, is not just a procedure in the fight against the abuse of the police badge - it is an essential condition for the trust of citizens and the true strength of the service. The maturity and responsibility of a state is also reflected in its readiness to confront abuses of the state apparatus, and the strength of the police service is in the degree of its integrity," said Šaranović.
Unfortunately, according to him, for years some officers, starting with the highest police officers, have abused their position, protected criminal interests, and instead of guaranteeing loyalty to the Constitution and the law, have offered the police badge on the altar of organized crime.
Šaranović said that those days are over.
He also recalled the results achieved by the Ministry and the Police Directorate in the fight against crime, modernization of services and improvement of international cooperation, and thanked partners from numerous countries for their support and joint contribution to security.
Šaranović thanked all services that showed courage, dedication and solidarity in defending the lives and property of citizens during the difficult fire season.
"Our obligation is not only to uphold the law, but to be a symbol of peace and security. The Ministry of Interior remains an unwavering guarantor of security and trust of citizens," said Šaranović.
Acting Director of the Police Administration, Lazar Šćepanović, emphasized that the Montenegrin police continue to honorably and courageously defend justice, the law and the safety of citizens.
"Wearing a police badge is a vow - that we will serve and protect citizens and the state - without exception. It is a symbol of commitment to citizens, a shield that does not protect the powerful from the law, but the weak from lawlessness. Our strength does not lie in force, but in the consistent application of the law and justice," said Šćepanović.
Speaking about the results, he said that in the past period, historic successes have been achieved in the fight against organized crime and corruption.
"Since the beginning of the year, we have solved more than 95% of serious crimes, prevented seven planned liquidations and prosecuted more than 700 members of organized crime groups. We have seized more than three tons of narcotics and over a thousand weapons, and corruption is no longer a protected zone," said Šćepanović.
He emphasized that the Montenegrin police today enjoy high trust from the public and international partners, and that it is recognized as a reliable and responsible actor in regional and European security structures.
"Trust is not gained with a badge - it is earned through work and results. Our path is clear - security without compromise, fighting crime and serving citizens," said Šćepanović.
The Ministry of Interior's statement states that the ceremony was an opportunity to recognize generations of officers who built the foundations of the security system, but also to present, with the presence of cadets from the Police Academy in Danilovgrad, a new generation that inherits the values of courage and service to the homeland.
"The Day of Internal Affairs once again showed that Montenegro has a police force that does not seek recognition, but results - and a state that knows how to appreciate those who protect it," the statement said.
Bonus video:
