The upcoming changes in the uniformation of Polish policemen are both praise and controversy. The draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration assumes the introduction of fresh recognition marks for officers. These changes, although possibly improving the recognition of police officers, rise doubts among experts, including the Ombudsman. However, Marcin Wiązek, the current RPO, sees crucial gaps in the proposed solutions.
New recognition marks – Facilitation or obstacle?
The Ministry proposes the introduction of metal, rectangular plates and adhesive belts with a six-digit officer recognition number. This change is intended to apply in peculiar to police officers from the alleged compact divisions, i.e. groups responsible, among others, for the suppression of riots and demonstrations. Over the years, the Ombudsman has commented on the deficiency of adequate recognition of these officers, which has made it hard in the past to identify persons who may have exceeded their powers during the intervention.
The introduction of a six-digit recognition number on the uniform aims to solve this problem. However, according to Marcin Więck, this is not enough. It points out that "a string of numbers may be hard to read and remember by witnesses of intervention, especially in dynamic situations during public gatherings". In addition, its position on the informing or protective vest – on the advanced right front or under the sign ‘Police’ – may not be adequate to identify it rapidly and easily.
Wiączek pointed out the solutions utilized in another European countries, where police officers of the compartments frequently have recognition marks on helmets, which makes their visibility much easier. specified an approach could besides be more effective in Poland.
Policemen and Covered Faces: Problem with Ski masks
The Ombudsman besides points to the deficiency of regulations on police blocking, in peculiar through ski masks. Although this issue is partially governed by the guidelines of the Chief Commissioner of Police, Wiącek stresses that "they should be introduced into the Regulation" due to the fact that the guidelines do not have the same legal force as the provisions of the Regulation.
Face blocking by officers raises serious concerns about protecting civilian rights, as stressed by the European Committee on the Prevention of Torture. In their opinion, police officers should not cover their faces or individual IDs unless in very exceptional cases. The deficiency of visibility of identifiers, especially during demonstration suppression operations, makes it more hard to claim work for possible abuse of power.
The RPO calls for the Regulation to clearly lay down the rules for the usage of chimneys by officers. "Their usage should be closely linked to the visibility of an individual recognition mark," concludes Wiątek.
Will changes have the desired effect?
Despite announcements of changes, the proposals of the Ministry of Interior and Administration proceed to rise questions and controversy. Although fresh recognition plates can theoretically improve the recognition of officers, critics specified as Marcin Wiączek, they point to crucial shortcomings – both in the visibility of these marks and in the deficiency of regulation of another issues, specified as face blocking.
Following developments, it can be assumed that the debate on fresh regulations in the uniform of the police will proceed for a long time. Will these changes yet contribute to greater transparency and accountability of police officers? This is simply a question to which the next months and years will respond, especially if the fresh rules are not corrected in line with the expert's comments.
The draft regulation on the uniforming of police officers has already been submitted for opinion and consultation.
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