Moldovan patrol agents to have to explain to drivers reason for being stopped in traffic

Chisinau, 18 October /MOLDPRES/- Patrol agents will have to explain to drivers why they were stopped in traffic. At the same time, the Interior Ministry (MAI) and its subdivisions will conduct spot checks to identify patrol inspectors who abuse their office. Interior Minister Alexandru Jizdan made the statement today.

The problem was brought to the attention by citizens who are often stopped by patrol inspectors without explaining the reason. Also, the issue was discussed within the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM), and later was made public by party leader Vlad Plahotniuc.

“All patrol agents are required to explain to drivers why they have been stopped in traffic. This is stipulated by the Law on police activity and policeman’s status. Just over the last two months, the number of complaints from citizens has increased significantly, which refers to abuses of patrol inspectors. We will take actions with the General Police Inspectorate, in particular with the National Patrolled Inspectorate (INP), which will stop these abuses”, he said.

The official said when INP was created, employees were meant to patrol in places where crime has a higher rate or the world feels unsafe. “Unfortunately, patrol agents have turned into road traffic insurance agents. That is why, we are currently examining another patrolling method, which would stipulate that employees will be sent on the routes with the highest mortality rate following road accidents”, he said.

At the same time, the official noted that the inspectors will further conduct operations, such as “white nights”, especially in places where drunk drivers are most often encountered.

According to MAI data, from the beginning of the year, 116 complaints were recorded from citizens, referring to abuses of patrol inspectors. Most complaints have been filed in the past two months. Based on these complaints, service inquiries were initiated, followed by disciplinary punishment.

Plahotniuc announced yesterday that patrol police will have the right to stop drivers only if they violated traffic rules. At the same time, he reported systematic abuse from the traffic police to traffickers, noting that the situation would be remedied.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor L. Alcază)