Hodaj: There is trend of increasing citizens' complaints against police officials

Objection Hodaj, chief chief of the Kosovo Police Inspectorate, has indicated that during the first two months of the year, the Inspectorate has continued to address a significant number of activities related to the accession and review of citizens' complaints, as well as investigations of police officials suspected of criminal acts or serious disciplinary offences.

He noted on the FIVE show that the most frequent cases include abuse of office, mistreatment during duty exercise, testing manipulation, tinging, causing bodily injuries and traffic accidents.

“These are the cases that citizens complain about most, and in which we have taken measures against police officials”, Hodaj said, adding that the suspension measures against police depend on the nature of the case.

Hodaj has declared that during the past year about 130 police officers have been recommended suspension.

Hodaj has clarified that the suspension applies when the police official's position could prevent the investigative process or damage the image of the police.

“Suspension in the phase of investigations is made to interest the investigation procedures”, he added.

He has also announced that police officials, in addition to basic training, also attend courses for management and de-passing of tense situations.

Hodaj has stressed that there is a trend of increasing citizens' complaints, which he sees as a result of increased awareness of citizens to report violations.

The “in the last three years has been about 20 percent, each year more than the previous year, one of the factors we believe is the awareness of citizens to present violations and confidence at IPK”, he said./Periscopi/