Police reform strategy initiated by the Armenian Police was discussed at June 18 parliamentary session on the ongoing reform hosted by the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs at the National Assembly.

The Deputy Head of the Armenian Police, Arthur Osikyan presented the key directions of the police reform to be applied in all areas of police activity nationwide. The package of the country’s reform strategy also includes OSCE-supported initiatives to introduce community policing, foster better police education, police-media relations and public order management in Armenia. Gender strategy elaboration for the reform is also envisaged to be elaborated with OSCE support.

Ways to foster democratic law-enforcement and increase the capacities of the security sector representatives, legislative and structural amendments were discussed by the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs at the National Assembly, Hrayr Karapetyan, parliamentarians, other representatives of state bodies, civil society organizations and experts in the security sector, OSCE Yerevan Office press service reported.

“Through effective co-operation we have set the protection of human and citizens’ rights in police work as one of the main targets of the reform, which will undoubtedly foster increased safety and trust in police. Democratic law enforcement is central in promoting the rule of law and fundamental democratic principles,” said the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan Ambassador Sergey Kapinos.

The OSCE Office in Yerevan has co-operated with the Armenian Police to contribute to the process of police reform and promote democratic policing in Armenia.