On Friday, the Luxembourg government's cabinet approved details of the reform of the Grand Ducal Police which are expected to come into effect in November; the reforms also address the disciplinary regulations of the executive staff of the Grand Ducal police and the General Police Inspectorate.
As parts of the reform does not fall under the scope of a law or regulation, it is expected that the reorganisation of local police stations will begin already in November 2016. Of the 51 police stations currently operational, some will merge or form a "police community" to form larger units with more means of action. Alongside these police stations shich provide 2 personnel shifts, 13 other police stations will continue to operate 24/7 with 3 shifts.
Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Security, Etienne Schneider, stated "Because of a prolonged availability, the new structure of police stations will provide expanded operating schedules and opening hours, thus better suited to the needs of citizens. Not only have the habits and attitudes of citizens changed since the last reform of the police in 1999, but so too have demographics and crime, so that today no one disputes the need for structural reform."
With the entry into force of the law reforming the police, under certain strict conditions, police officers will also have new legal means at their disposal, including use of vehicles, identity checks and temporary closure of a commercial establishment to ensure more effectively maintaining public order and the protection of persons or property.
The Secretary of State for Internal Security, Francine Closener, commented "The reform imposes the philosophy of proximity to all of the police whose technical and personnel will be strengthened. In addition, police duties will be restated in the context of the reform of the disciplinary status. The General Inspectorate of Police will be reformed and will operate under certain limits, as a mediator in disputes between police officers including the police and citizens."
The reorganisation of the Grand Ducal Police is being done according to a five-pronged plan:
- Roles & Mission: the judicial police will be based in 4, rather than 6 at present, regions: Luxembourg city, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Diekirch and Grevenmacher; various distinct administrative sections will be created, e.g. for the airport, for the road; creation of new A2 & B1 posts
- Strengthening of local police presence
- Strengthening of competence and leadership: including training of police officers to be given a higher status with the creation of the Training Directorate
- More efficient organisation: including separating logistics, technology & finance
- Technical Means: increased recruitment, including allowing members of the the public take on administrative roles, as well as improved equipment
A total of 413 short-term positions will be creaded, and an annual incease of 10 officers per year has been agreed.
The peoposed law is expected to be voted in parliament before the end of the year, with all changes implemented by the end of 2017.
