72% express trust or neutrality toward police, surveys suggest

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union, in collaboration with OSCE partners, funded social surveys revealing that 72% of respondents trust the police or hold a neutral stance without expressing dissatisfaction. This was announced by Armenia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan, during the 4th session of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, where she presented ongoing police reforms.

"Of course, this is a level that must be maintained and continuously improved. All our changes aim precisely at this goal. The patrol service is now operational across the entire country, and its implementation has led to several positive outcomes," the minister stated.

She noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is still in its early stages of formation but is actively working, considering European experience and support from EU partners, as reported by Armenpress.

"Capacity building is, of course, a continuous process, and we will continue our efforts in this direction," the minister emphasized.

Sargsyan also presented ongoing and completed reforms in the migration service sector to the Council of Europe parliamentarians.

"Regarding police reforms, I must note that significant progress has been achieved. This is not only recognized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs as an interested body but also by the international community and our citizens. Various surveys, including those conducted with EU support, indicate that these reforms have increased public trust in the police," the minister noted.

She also recalled that in 2024, the Armenian government approved a new police reform strategy for 2024-2026.

"At present, we are also initiating the development of a new crime prevention strategy, which is crucial for ensuring public safety," Arpine Sargsyan emphasized.