OSCE Mission to Skopje helps network Citizens Advisory Groups to improve policing
(OSCE)The OSCE Mission to Skopje is helping to build a regional network of Citizens Advisory Groups to strengthen community policing in the eastern part of the country, Delcevo, 10 September 2007. (OSCE) Photo details
SKOPJE, 10 September 2007 - The OSCE Mission today opened a regional workshop in Delcevo aimed at strengthening community policing in the eastern part of the country by establishing the first local network of Citizen Advisory Groups (CAGs).
The CAG approach aims to facilitate dialogue and co-operation between citizens and the police and help make police work more efficient. The OSCE Mission to Skopje, together with the Interior Ministry, introduced the community policing concept to the north-western part of the country in 2002, while the first CAGs were set up in the east in May 2005.
"We compliment the Interior Ministry, CAG representatives as well as mayors, local community leaders, municipal officials and police officers for undertaking this initiative that will enable them to share experiences and learn best practices. The CAG network will help them better address their common problems," said Raul Correa, Community Development Chief in the OSCE Mission's Police Development Unit.
"These joint efforts are an example of close and enthusiastic co-operation, mutual understanding and determination to build a better future for this country."
The regional workshop brings together the mayors of Delcevo, Stip and Kocani municipalities to meet with Interior Ministry representatives to discuss building a local network, exchange experiences and develop local strategies.
Goce Dzukleski, State Secretary from the Ministry of Interior, said: "This initiative will improve the CAG capacities to implement new working models in the eastern part of the country. We are confident that the establishment of a regional network will contribute to improving policing in the communities where CAGs are functioning."
The CAG approach aims to facilitate dialogue and co-operation between citizens and the police and help make police work more efficient. The OSCE Mission to Skopje, together with the Interior Ministry, introduced the community policing concept to the north-western part of the country in 2002, while the first CAGs were set up in the east in May 2005.
"We compliment the Interior Ministry, CAG representatives as well as mayors, local community leaders, municipal officials and police officers for undertaking this initiative that will enable them to share experiences and learn best practices. The CAG network will help them better address their common problems," said Raul Correa, Community Development Chief in the OSCE Mission's Police Development Unit.
"These joint efforts are an example of close and enthusiastic co-operation, mutual understanding and determination to build a better future for this country."
The regional workshop brings together the mayors of Delcevo, Stip and Kocani municipalities to meet with Interior Ministry representatives to discuss building a local network, exchange experiences and develop local strategies.
Goce Dzukleski, State Secretary from the Ministry of Interior, said: "This initiative will improve the CAG capacities to implement new working models in the eastern part of the country. We are confident that the establishment of a regional network will contribute to improving policing in the communities where CAGs are functioning."