Meeting on Public Safety
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič met with Telšiai District Mayor Tomas Katkus to discuss public safety issues, fire and civil protection, and residents’ preparedness for emergency situations. One of the key topics of the meeting was the future of the Telšiai County Police Headquarters and its legal status.
A Prolonged Experiment
Since 2020, an experiment merging the Telšiai and Šiauliai police headquarters has been ongoing, extending far beyond its initial timeline—it has been prolonged five times. However, no final decision has been made, raising concerns among local residents and police officers about the uncertainty surrounding the headquarters’ future.
Importance for the Local Community
The Minister of the Interior and the Mayor of Telšiai agree that the police headquarters must remain in Telšiai. The minister emphasized that any organizational changes in the police force should be made in consultation with local authorities and with consideration for officers’ and residents’ needs. The Police Department will soon present a plan to gradually restore the headquarters’ operations to their previous level to ensure efficiency and maintain local police autonomy.
The Mayor’s Stance on the Reform
Telšiai District Mayor Tomas Katkus argues that the reform, intended to improve police efficiency, has created more problems than benefits. The merger increased officers’ workloads and caused uncertainty in service organization. A major concern is the possible closure of the Criminal and Traffic Police units in Telšiai, which could hinder quick responses to crimes and road safety control.
Impact of the Police Reform
According to the mayor, the local community should not suffer due to unsuccessful reforms, and residents should not bear the consequences of poorly thought-out decisions. “The future of the Telšiai County Police Headquarters is a sensitive issue for both officers and the entire community. I am pleased that the minister has acknowledged our arguments that this reform has failed,” says T. Katkus.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania
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