Statement of the Director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović Regarding Frequent Attacks on Police Officers

The Police Directorate strongly condemns any attack on police officers who perform their duties professionally, legally, and responsibly in protecting citizens, their property, and the constitutional order of Montenegro. Our officers carry out numerous daily activities aimed at maintaining public order and peace, traffic safety, combating all forms of crime, border control, and protecting the lives and property of citizens and tourists. At the same time, I expect that competent state prosecutors and courts, within their constitutional and legal competencies, will promptly, efficiently, and consistently prosecute all persons attacking police officers and apply legally prescribed sanctions. Only through decisive action by all system institutions can we send a clear message that violence against police officers will not be tolerated and that every attack will have a swift and appropriate legal response. The Police Directorate will continue to professionally, impartially, and decisively protect the safety of all citizens of Montenegro, with full respect for human rights and the principles of legality in conduct, but will equally resolutely use all legally prescribed powers to protect its officers and preserve the authority of the state. The Police Directorate remains committed to an uncompromising, strong, and resolute fight against all forms of crime and reminds that the safety of police officers is not only a matter of their personal security but also a matter of national security, protection of system institutions, and the safety of all citizens of Montenegro.