The Ministry of Interior and Administration is preparing groundbreaking changes in the uniforming of police officers, which have been advocated for years by police trade unions. According to the ministry's announcements, namesakes will be replaced by service numbers, which is to importantly increase the recognition of officers without the request to disclose their individual data.
Discussions on the introduction of recognition numbers have lasted for many years and have been discussed by a number of institutions, including the Ombudsman, Marcin Wiąck, and unionists from NSZZ Police. The draft amendment of the rules on uniforming of police officers was officially submitted to the public in early June this year.
According to the justification provided by trade union representatives, the main nonsubjective of the amendment is to increase the recognition of police officers without violating their privacy. "The innovation is due to the request to increase the recognition of a uniformed police officer without disclosing his individual data," the paper states.
The proposed changes include the introduction of metallic plates and belting with recognition numbers, which will be worn by policemen in both day-to-day service clothes and during exercises for policemen appointed for the candidate service period. The Ministry stresses that the introduction of numbers will let a clear recognition of officers, which is crucial to the effectiveness of their actions.
Special regulations besides supply that police officers serving in compact sub-units, equipped with informing and protective vests, will besides gotta wear IDs on the trailer belts placed on their equipment. "This will enable the recognition of this group of police officers in hard working conditions", we read further.
It's not just the fresh officers that's gonna be affected. The amendment besides provides for the work to return metallic recognition stars by policemen released from service. This is simply a step to limit unauthorized usage of specified marks by persons outside the service.
The fresh regulations are to enter into force from 1 January 2025. The hotel provides that the time to that date will let for appropriate adjustment of the uniformation and for the acquisition of the essential changes. It is estimated that the costs associated with the introduction of fresh recognition marks will amount to about PLN 6.2 million.
These changes are widely commented on by experts and representatives of the public. any support the initiative by seeing it improve police safety and traceability. Others, in turn, express concerns about the privacy of officers and the applicable aspects of the implementation of fresh regulations.
The final form of the draft amendment will be shaped on the basis of collected opinions and recommendations of specialists. The decision to adopt changes will be crucial for the future of the Polish police service and its relations with citizens.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
Continued here:
Revolutionary changes in police uniforms. The namesakes will vanish from their uniforms.
