VALBANDON/PULA, Feb 23 (Hina) - Croatian police director Ranko Ostojic has said that the security situation in Croatia in 2002 was at an exceptionally high level, despite a decrease in the number of police force.
VALBANDON/PULA, Feb 23 (Hina) - Croatian police director Ranko
Ostojic has said that the security situation in Croatia in 2002 was
at an exceptionally high level, despite a decrease in the number of
police force. #L#
Ostojic made the statement at a meeting of police chiefs in
Valbandon, which was also attended by representatives of the
interior ministry and the State Prosecution.
"Despite a smaller number of police officers and reduced budgetary
funds for the police, the security situation was exceptionally
good," Ostojic said.
The number of killings in 2002 was 34% or more than one-third lower
than in 1999, which saw 118 killings, while in 2002 73 killings were
reported.
The rate of solution of the gravest criminal acts increased as well
and police efficiency rose by 25% compared to previous years.
Last year's rate of 1.6 killings per 100,000 residents is one of the
lowest in Europe, Ostojic said.
As regards other criminal acts, the situation is similar, except
for robberies, which have been on increase since 1995, as has been
the number of solved robbery cases.
This prompted the government to accept a proposal by the interior
ministry to define minimum physical and technical measures of
protection in financial institutions, banks and exchange offices.
The reform of the police over the past two years has made police
forces more efficient and cheaper, Ostojic said.
(hina) rml