Kosovo's oldest police in Balkans, analysts predict difficulties in performing jobs

The average age of Kosovo police officers has reached over 44, which, according to security issues connoisseurs, is considered old for performing operational works. The Police Bill envisions retirement at the age of 55 and disability pension, but the draft has not yet been processed in the Assembly for approval due to complaints about lack of budget.

With an average age of 44,61, Kosovo Police, of security issues connoisseurs, are considered the oldest police in the Balkans. The Police Union has demanded that the Police Law include retirement of police members at the age of 55 with 60 per cent of the gross salary as well as disability retirement.

But the draft is not being processed in the Assembly for approval due to, as stated publicly by responsible institutions, the high budget costs. Shaban Tasholli, chairman of the Kosovo Police Union, told Radio Kosovo that there are currently 1500 to 2,000 police members who must retire immediately.

“The IMF has given it its criticism, and then the finance minister says it's a nice budget raised, and there's been conversation that isn't 60 percent. We as unions have said 60 percent or what it's like in the KSF, we haven't asked for more, and yet we stand behind it. The Police Union supports the pension at 55 as the KSF has”, Tasholli said.

According to Kosovo Security Affairs connoisseurs, the average age of over 44 and police officers is old enough to perform operational work.

Plator Avdiu, from the Centre for Security Studies in Kosovo, told Radio Kosovo that this age is very old, considering that these officials must face crowds and different situations on the ground.

“Moshah would have to be the youngest of Kosovo police officers, it would have to behave from 25 to 32 years, because the conduct of operational police duties requires a greater will of police officials”, Avdiu has said.

As for the lack of budget for improving this situation, Avdiu has said it should disturb state institutions.

This is an alarm for our security institutions, the Interior Ministry and the government to take immediate steps in order to preserve the cohesion that must exist within the Kosovo Police to continue with early retirement”, Avdiu has said.

In an email response, the Kosovo Police General Directorate has stated it is disturbing that the draft law regulating the issue of the age of accession and retirement of members of police is not being prosecuted in the Assembly.

However, this institution has not declared whether there will soon be competition for accepting new cadets. While the Ministry of Internal Affairs has given no answers to the issue.