The Republic of Srpska

On the occasion of the Police Day, the Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Siniša Karan, and the Republic of Srpska Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević, organized today at the Training Centre in Zalužani, a reception and a gathering with the retired members of the Ministry.

         Minister Karan emphasized that the true value of a police officer is seen when they pass on the beauty and ethics of the profession to their child, who further expresses a desire to pursue the same career. "When you serve as a police officer both during the war and during challenging post-war conditions and your child wants to become a police officer, that is a special value and reflects the position and role of the police in our society," said Minister Karan.

He pointed out that the current generation retiring is one of the most deserving for the creation and defense of the Republic of Srpska, and that many police duties were carried out during the Homeland Defense War. "At the same time, they performed police duties, which was very difficult. During the war, they were exposed to additional dangers related to criminal activities, maintaining public order, and other issues," the Minister emphasized.

Minister Karan also mentioned that during the war, 782 members of the RS MoI of the Republic of Srpska lost their lives, and after the war, 32 more police officers lost their lives on duty.

He pointed out that police officers are assured a strong basis for retirement, which is based on their five highest personal earnings during the career. "Today, we are also discussing the increase of salary, and I am particularly pleased that the 30% compensation for special working conditions has been reinstated. We must have in mind that only the police carry weapons and risk their lives every day to save others," Minister Karan concluded, extending his congratulations for the upcoming Police Day, April 4th.

Retired police officer Mr Đorđe Šebez congratulated the Police Day to his colleagues and said that it has been an honor for him to wear the uniform of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior for the past 31 years. Another retired member of the Ministry, Mr Goran Balaban, who spent 33 years in service, also expressed his pride, particularly highlighting that he spent the majority of his career in the Special Unit and that he retired from the position of the Commander of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit.