A draft law amending Montenegro’s Law on Internal Affairs is currently in parliamentary procedure and proposes several key reforms aimed at transforming police operations and structure. The changes include:
- Mandatory polygraph testing for all police officers regarding job-related matters, initiated by their supervisor, the police director, or internal control. Refusing the test would be considered a violation of official duty.
- Regular security checks every five years for all police personnel. If any security risk is identified, employment may be terminated without a disciplinary procedure.
- Introduction of a new police rank – patrol officer, which requires a lower educational level than a standard officer. Patrol officers will serve as visible, community-based law enforcement figures, especially in schools, hospitals, and public institutions.
- Permission for the police to publish photos and videos of suspects in criminal cases to aid identification, provided there is reasonable suspicion.
- Tougher disciplinary measures, including penalties for reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, refusal to undergo testing, or loss of police rank. However, losing rank does not necessarily mean job termination—affected individuals may be reassigned within public administration.
- A six-month deadline is set for the Ministry of Interior to adopt all necessary by-laws for the law’s full implementation.
The proposed law aims to improve transparency, professionalism, and public trust in law enforcement, particularly important amid Montenegro’s EU integration process and efforts to restore police credibility. It also extends special employment procedures in the IT sector until the end of 2027 to support modernisation.
