The Independent Police Union stated today that anyone requesting the police to allow entry into a secure facility without invitation or consent is either utterly uninformed or malicious.

“The laws, service regulations, and oath dictate that the core duty of the police is to uphold public order and ensure the safety of individuals and property. The police must safeguard the entity or person they are tasked to protect, adhering strictly to their powers, regardless of the challenges faced by the officers. This is a responsibility without room for doubt; those unsure should not wear the uniform,” the Union declared in a statement.

They emphasized that accessing a secure facility can only occur with prior notice and explicit permission.

“Especially not through force, which some individuals involved in the events at Vila Gorica demanded. Those asking for police to step aside for unauthorized entry are either entirely uninformed or malicious. Encouraging citizens to confront the police is a grave manipulation of the tense situation and discontent among citizens. Those making such appeals are fully aware that the police cannot and must not yield, as it would result in their own legal violations,” the Independent Police Union expressed.

Prior to the July Thirteenth Award ceremony, protests occurred in front of Vila Gorica on July 8 against the recipient of the award, writer Bećir Vuković.

During the protest, a clash erupted between the police and several hundred assembled citizens, leading the police to deploy pepper spray.

The Independent Police Union conveyed that there are only two possibilities.

“By inciting individuals to violate the law, they are either deliberately provoking a police response that will further aggravate public discontent or they exist in an unreal, parallel world where they can maneuver both police officers and fellow citizens according to their whims. Following this logic, it wouldn’t be surprising to find ourselves in a situation where a robber asks a policeman to step aside, intending to rob a nearby store. Unfortunately, the police are not there to indulge the desires of criminals,” the statement continues.

The Independent Police Union also clarified that law enforcement does not engage in state or local politics, does not dictate market prices, and does not bestow state honors.

“The police, to reiterate, safeguard citizens and their property by enforcing the law. We empathize with the public’s grievances on various societal issues. As an organization that has fought for rights in the streets, the Independent Police Union of Montenegro supports protests as a valid expression of discontent. However, it is crucial that protests remain peaceful and within legal boundaries. Should the law be violated, jeopardizing public order and safety, police are obligated to take action,” the statement emphasizes.

The Independent Police Union asserted that officers stationed in any security detail are not responsible for citizens’ grievances, nor did they instigate them.

“Yet, they consistently, unwarrantedly, bear the brunt of this dissatisfaction. Insults and psychological harassment have become routine, but do not expect us to remain passive while being pushed, struck, or physically threatened. The leniency shown to offenders, contrasted with the vulnerability of police officers, is glaring. Even in potentially perilous situations, officers are ordered to exercise caution and defend themselves with minimal force that imposes the least harm. In more democratic and well-regulated societies, this is certainly not the standard,” they remarked.

The Independent Police Union affirmed that the exploitation of public discontent and the incitement of conflict leading to physical assaults on police officers must never be ignored or dismissed.

“The Independent Police Union of Montenegro stands resolutely behind every officer who acts justly, professionally, and within the bounds of the law. Determining who should be held accountable for their actions should not concern us, nor should we be interested in names, titles, or ranks. All should be treated equally under the law,” the statement concludes.

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