30-01-2024 12:28
"I have always wanted to become a policeman. I enjoy working with people and feel good when I can help," says Konstantin Raykov, who has been in the Ministry of Interior system for 22 years. Since then, he has been working in the Sofia district of "Fakulteta," where he lives. As we walk through the streets, people greet him with respect. "We have gained their trust over the years, and when we need their help, they assist us." He always speaks in the plural because achievements and results are a result of teamwork. "Our days are very dynamic, each case we work on is different, so exchanging experiences and acquiring new knowledge is very important. My participation in seminars with colleagues working in Roma neighborhoods across the country was very useful. It turned out that our problems are similar, but we shared different ideas for their solutions."
The trainings are part of the project "Improving coordination and dialogue between the police and the Roma community," funded under the "Home Affairs" Program of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. The goal is to increase the professional skills on the ground, improve communication with Roma communities, early recognition of signs of radicalization, and take appropriate preventive measures.
Within the project, 20 reception areas in Roma neighborhoods in Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Vidin, Montana, Sliven, and Yambol are being renovated and equipped. The renovated receptions will create better working conditions for police officers and will serve as contact points for local communities when problems arise.
