Interior Ministry issues statement explaining proposed amendments to Law on Police

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has released a statement regarding the planned amendments to the Law on Police, aimed at clarifying the changes for public understanding.

According to the Ministry, the police force consists of various units, including militarized divisions, each with distinct functions requiring specific recruitment rules and qualifications. Currently, militarized police units operate under a separate service regime, employing individuals with military ranks without the need for a competitive hiring process.

However, starting January 1, 2025, military service will be limited exclusively to the Ministry of Defense. As a result, military-ranked personnel will no longer be appointed within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This shift necessitates transitioning militarized units to standard police rules and aligning their recruitment processes with general police standards.

The proposed amendments will modify certain recruitment rules for positions associated with militarized units, introducing specific criteria for their selection. Hiring within the Ministry will still require candidates to meet established criteria, including Georgian citizenship, proficiency in the state language, compliance with legal requirements, and qualifications in education, health, and physical fitness.

Applicants who fail to meet the required standards for education, physical preparation, or health conditions will not be eligible for employment.

”Notably, these changes will not affect personnel in the Patrol Police Department, investigators, law enforcement officers, or administrative staff,” the statement reads.

The Ministry emphasized that all candidates will undergo thorough assessments during the recruitment process to ensure compliance with the requirements.