December 18 - National Police Day; Moldovan interior minister describes day as success of great team

The National Police marks its 35th anniversary today. On this occasion, festive events will be organized across the country, in order to acknowledge the achievements of employees of the Interior Ministry (MAI) and their contribution to ensuring public safety and security, preventing, investigating and solving crimes.

Interior Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin has told MOLDPRES that being a police officer means more than just a profession – it is a commitment to protect lives, uphold justice and build a safer and fairer society.

“Today, besides National Police Day, it is also the day of a great team's success, which will continue to successfully tackle future challenges. The activity of the police began with a sacrifice - defending the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. We will always honor those who laid the foundation of the Republic of Moldova and sacrificed their lives for it. Over the years, you have continued the fight against organized crime, ensured public order and the security of Moldovan citizens, intervening whenever necessary. With each action, police officers strengthen democracy and bring the country closer to European values and standards. I am confident that together we will build Moldova's European path with great responsibility,” declared Daniella Misail-Nichitin.

For his part, the head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP), Viorel Cernauteanu said  that, during 35 years, the institution had consistently evolved, playing a crucial role in protecting citizens and public order.

“Throughout this journey, the National Police has undergone significant reforms, adapting to new realities and strengthening its operational and professional capabilities. The work of police officers entails responsibility, sacrifice and decisions taken in critical moments. Each intervention, each prevention action, and each life protected reflects the dedication of those who wear this uniform. I deeply appreciate the efforts of colleagues across the country, the support from their families, and the contribution of our institutional and international partners who have supported the process of modernization of the National Police. We have an obligation to continue reforms, act transparently and professionally and strengthen society's trust. The police stay a pillar of public safety and a reliable partner for the citizens of Moldova,” Viorel Cernauteanu specified.

The National Police Day will be commemorated with floral tributes at the monument honoring officers who lost their lives in service, located in front of the MAI headquarters. Flowers will also be placed at the Grieving Mother monument within the Eternity Memorial Complex, at the fallen officers' monument in Mills’ Valley Park, and at the monument of Stefan cel Mare in the center of Chisinau.

Following the declaration of Moldova's sovereignty on June 23, 1990, the process to establish a national internal affairs system started. Thus, on September 13, 1990, the Moldovan government adopted a decision to create the Police Department and regional police sections. Subsequently, on December 18, 1990, the parliament passed the Law on Police. Immediately after its adoption, a comprehensive process of restructuring, modernization and the establishment of internal affairs bodies began, resulting in the Moldovan Police becoming an institution based on democratic principles, serving citizens and intended to defend the fundamental values of society.

An important chapter in the history of the National Police is the defense of Moldova’s independence during the Transnistria War of 1992, when 89 police officers lost their lives on the battlefield.

On December 27, 2012, the new Law on the activity of the police and the status of police officers was adopted, coming into force on March 5, 2013. According to the new provisions, the institution was reorganized into the General Police Inspectorate, specialized subdivisions, and territorial subdivisions, tasked with defending the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens through activities that maintain and ensure public order and security, prevent, investigate and solve crimes and offenses.