Croatia marks Police Day: “We are among the safest countries in the world”

(Photo: MUP)

Croatia has marked Police Day and the feast of St. Michael, the patron saint of the police, on Monday with a special ceremony in Zagreb.

This year’s commemoration carried the motto “Security that lasts” and reflected on several key anniversaries: 35 years since the formation of the “First Croatian Policeman”, the establishment of the elite Anti-Terrorist Unit Lučko, and the Special Police Unit Zadar – Poskoci.

It also marked 30 years since the successful military-police operation Operation Storm.

The long-running campaigns “Respect Our Signs” and “Safe Tourist Destination” were also highlighted, celebrating 30 and 20 years respectively.

(Photo: MUP)

Police Director General Nikola Milina stressed that true safety comes from continuity and commitment, not from single actions.

“Security that lasts is achieved by dedication that lasts,” Milina said, noting that the police have maintained a crime-solving rate above 70% for five consecutive years, while also recording steady success in tackling organised crime, corruption, war crimes, environmental offences and drug trafficking.

“These results place Croatia among the safest countries in Europe and the world,” Milina added, highlighting teamwork as the foundation of success.

(Photo: MUP)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Davor Božinović, underlined the human role behind the uniform.

“When the world says Croatia is among the safest countries, that is the face of our police officers. They carry both the law and a heart – firm when needed, compassionate when required,” he said.

Božinović also called for wider community engagement.

“The police will always be there, but no police force can heal every wound of society. Violence, addictions, radicalisation and loneliness – these are challenges that require the whole society to act together,” he emphasised.

(Photo: MUP)

A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of medals, commendations and annual prizes to outstanding officers recognised for courage, professionalism and dedication.

Among those honoured were officers from across the country – from Sisak, Karlovac and Zadar to Split and Rijeka – as well as members of the Police Directorate and Zagreb Police Department. Notably, female officers Marina Hrstić and Marina Sabljić from Split-Dalmatia were awarded for bravery, with Minister Božinović sending them a special message of pride and gratitude in their absence.

(Photo: MUP)

International recognition was also given, with Dimitri Zoulas, director of the French National Drug Crime Office, and Dirk Ruge of the German Federal Police Academy among recipients of acknowledgements.

The programme included performances by Klapa Sv. Mihovil, singer Doris Dragović, and Ante Gelo, as well as the screening of the film With Heart for the Homeland, paying tribute to the bravery of Croatian police officers.

(Photo: MUP)