The European Union Police Mission and the Office of the High Representative welcome today’s adoption of the Cantonal Law on Internal Affairs by the Tuzla Cantonal Assembly. Tuzla is the first canton to complete the process of updating its internal affairs legislation. This important step forward paves the way for more effective police work in Tuzla and contributes to better policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Adoption of this law represents a step towards fostering an operationally independent and efficient police structure. Simultaneously, it ensures the appropriate mechanisms of the oversight of the police work through the Minister of Interior, Government, as well as Board for Citizens Complaints and Independent Board,” said Commissioner Stefan Feller, Head of EU Police Mission.
“The Tuzla Canton Police Commissioner will now have the operational and budgetary independence needed to manage the police effectively in line with standards at the State-level and in Brcko District. We now expect all other Cantonal Assemblies to follow suit and adopt similar legislation quickly,” said High Representative and EU Special Representative Valentin Inzko.
The EU Police Mission, the OHR, and the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program worked closely with the Tuzla cantonal authorities in preparing the revised draft law on internal affairs, ensuring incorporation of the best EU practices.