As part of the international cooperation in the field of Community Policing, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a study visit and training dedicated to modern concepts and practices of community policing was held in Tokyo, Japan, from May 12 to May 30, 2026.
The training brought together representatives from multiple countries and facilitated the exchange of experiences, best practices, and contemporary approaches to building trust between the police and citizens.
Japanese institutions showcased their model of Community Policing through theoretical lectures, practical examples, and simulations of real situations, as well as through study visits to police stations, the Police Academy in Tokyo, Koban police posts, the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Center, the Command and Information Center, and other organizational units of the Japanese police. Participants had the opportunity to directly familiarize themselves with the functioning of the Japanese police, its preventive activities, and the model of community policing.
The training also included a presentation of Macedonian experiences in Community Policing, highlighting the activities carried out by the Sector for General Police Affairs aimed at proactive and preventive policing. Special emphasis was placed on projects directed towards youth, activities for preventing domestic violence, as well as practices for providing first medical and psychological support by police officers during emergencies, with the goal of strengthening trust in the police and enhancing partnership with the community.
The new preventive campaign "Celebrate Success Responsibly," aimed at high school graduates, particularly captured the attention of the participants. The symbolic gifts in the form of magnets bearing positive and motivational messages also sparked great interest, through which the police encourage young people to behave responsibly during celebrations. The campaign was evaluated as an innovative and effective preventive tool, drawing special attention from representatives of the Japanese police, who expressed interest in its adaptation and implementation in Japan.
The participation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in this international training represents a significant opportunity to promote successful Macedonian practices in the field of Community Policing, as well as to further enhance international cooperation and the exchange of experiences towards the development of a modern, proactive, and citizen-oriented police force.
