Estonian plans to grant auxiliary police officers the authority to stop vehicles from private vehicles independently, pending a new legislative proposal.
In Estonia, a legislative proposal is underway that aims to empower auxiliary police officers with the authority to independently stop vehicles, even when these vehicles are privately owned. Currently, auxiliary officers are not allowed to make these stops without the presence of an official police officer. The proposed law seeks to broaden the operational capacity of these auxiliary officers and enhance their training, allowing them to act more effectively in their roles.
The new law, which has entered the coordination phase, specifies that auxiliary police officers of the second and third tiers could, in exceptional cases, stop privately owned vehicles without wearing their uniforms and without the presence of a police officer. According to Nurmely Mitrahovitš, a consultant at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior's criminal and law enforcement policy department, this change does not imply that all auxiliary officers will start utilizing this power indiscriminately. Instead, Mitrahovitš emphasizes that all actions taken by auxiliary officers should occur under police guidance and coordination.
This development represents a significant shift in the operational framework of auxiliary police in Estonia, reflecting a broader strategy by the Ministry of the Interior to improve public safety and enhance policing capabilities through community-based efforts. As the discussion around this legislation evolves, it will be essential to monitor the implications for civil liberties and the relationship between the public and law enforcement agencies in Estonia.
