ZAGREB ZAGREB, May 27 (Hina) - Chiefs of police from European capitals convened in Zagreb on Tuesday at their 25th conference to discuss police prevention in the community.
ZAGREB, May 27 (Hina) - Chiefs of police from European capitals
convened in Zagreb on Tuesday at their 25th conference to discuss
police prevention in the community. #L#
At the opening ceremony of this event, which will last until 30 May,
Croatia's Premier Ivica Racan said safety and security in the
community depended on all segments of society.
During his speech PM Racan reiterated that Croatia's strategic goal
was to enter the European Union and to carry out reforms including a
reform in the interior ministry.
"Although there is much to do, I am confident that Croatia will
become a full EU member by 2007 and that the efficient Croatian
police will be organised in line with European standards," Racan
said.
He pointed to an enviable level of security in Croatia which has one
of the lowest crime rates in Europe because of a small number of
felonies.
Interior Minister Sime Lucin said the most important part of the
Zagreb event was the possibility to exchange experience.
"The Croatian police are on the right path towards transformation
into modern police," Lucin said adding that the transformation from
a repressive apparatus into a public service for citizens was a
strategic commitment of the police.
Zagreb Mayor Vlasta Pavic welcomed 36 police superintendents from
European capitals and told them that Zagreb was among safer
European cities.
The participants were welcomed by Zagreb Police Superintendent
Ivan Babic who said that partnership relations between citizens and
police were a necessary condition for overall security. To achieve
that goal, a project called police in the community was launched in
five Croatian cities a few months ago, Babic said adding the project
would be expanded.
(hina) ms