A legislative bill in Estonia has been proposed to grant assistant police officers several new rights, including the ability to stop vehicles with unmarked police vehicles and administer breathalyzer tests. This initiative, which has been in preparation for several years, aims to involve assistant police officers in a wider range of police activities beyond just patrolling. Currently, about 80-90% of assistant police work consists of providing support in patrol duties, but many are willing to assist in various other necessary police functions.

The introduction of this bill reflects a growing recognition of the potential for assistant police officers to participate in other police operations, such as community policing, preventative activities, border control, and even handling documentation in police service centers. According to Roger Kumm, the head of the Prevention and Criminal Procedure Bureau of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), there is a clear opportunity for assistant officers to contribute more significantly across different areas of police work. This change is anticipated to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of police services in Estonia.

While the new law expands the powers of assistant police officers, it also stipulates that they will continue to operate under the directives of trained police personnel. This system of oversight is meant to ensure that the additional powers granted to assistant officers are exercised appropriately, maintaining a structured and accountable policing framework. The move signifies an evolution in the approach to community safety and involvement in law enforcement, acknowledging the valuable role that trained civilians can play in support of professional police officers.