Community Police Officer Project in Khmelnytskyi Region
In the Khmelnytskyi region, one-third of local communities are not covered by the 'Community Police Officer' project. This initiative, which assigns a police officer—often called a sheriff—to each community, aims to boost safety and improve communication between residents and law enforcement. Currently, only 110 out of the required 217 sheriffs are active, highlighting a significant gap in the project's reach across the region, according to Ivan Ishchenko, head of the regional police.
Project Functions and Needs Overview
Ishchenko explained that the plan calls for one police officer per 6,000 residents in a community. Each sheriff would receive a new vehicle, an office, and material and technical support, and must complete four months of training and courses with international partners. The salary for a community police officer exceeds 30,000 hryvnias. The city of Khmelnytskyi alone needs 40 sheriffs, but their absence is largely due to the limited financial capacity of local communities.
Ishchenko noted that in regions where he previously worked, the project was fully implemented in all communities, including regional centers. He emphasized the project's proven benefits:
“Every person, a resident of any settlement—from the smallest to the largest—physically sees the so-called sheriff, a uniformed police officer who directly works with specific people in a specific locality.” - Ivan Ishchenko
A community police officer focuses solely on handling complaints and reports from residents of their assigned community. They are not diverted to other tasks, staying fully informed about local events and knowing each resident. If a newcomer arrives, the officer tracks this as well. Ishchenko added:
“One police officer is assigned per 6,000 residents. This is enough to fully address the issues of these people and the designated settlement, primarily through preventive work. They must be present in all 60 communities.” - Ivan Ishchenko
Currently, the 'Community Police Officer' project requires further funding and support from local authorities to expand its implementation in the Khmelnytskyi region, ensuring adequate safety and law enforcement for all citizens.
This project is a key element in maintaining law and order in Ukraine, especially amid modern challenges. Despite positive experiences in other regions, insufficient funding and a limited number of sheriffs in Khmelnytskyi may hinder its effectiveness. Expanding the program and securing additional resources are critical to improving safety in local communities and strengthening public trust in law enforcement.
As the region grapples with the shortage of community police officers, the local law enforcement is simultaneously intensifying efforts to address another pressing issue: the identification of draft evaders. Recent reports indicate that police in the Khmelnytskyi region are actively searching for over 54,000 individuals who have evaded military service. This underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring both public safety and compliance with national obligations.