In the Format of “Minister’s Hour”, the Minister of Internal Affairs- Vakhtang Gomelauri, reviewed the activities carried out by the Ministry in 2022, current projects and future plans.

While reviewing last year"s activities, Vakhtang Gomelauri, stated that the Ministry of Internal Affairs actively continued its uncompromised fight against crime in 2022 - both preventive measures and quick response to crimes that occurred are reflected in statistical data.

The Minister of Internal Affairs outlined that as a result of the effective work of police, the rate of solving crimes in 2022 is unprecedentedly high - more than 62%, at the same time, such serious and especially serious crimes as: murder, attempted murder, serious injury to health, illegal restriction of freedom, armed robbery and theft have been reduced.

As Vakhtang Gomelauri noted, the first stage of criminal police reform was completed in 2022 - operational, investigative and preventive directions were completely separated. Within the framework of the reform, the Community Officers Institute covered all districts of Tbilisi. After Tbilisi, Rustavi became the first city where Community Officers have already started their activities.

Vakhtang Gomelauri emphasized that last year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in order to ensure and improve the protection of the rule of law and order and public safety, implemented a number of infrastructure projects - updated the car fleet, special technic and equipment. In 2022, as a result of coordination with the Government of Georgia, an agreement has already been signed with the French company “Airbus Helicopters” for the purpose of purchasing 3 new helicopters. The helicopters that the Ministry will purchase are multi-purpose and can perform police, transport, search and rescue operations.

The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude towards all the employees of the Agency for their dedicated work to ensure public order and security of the country.

Vakhtang Gomelauri also noted that improving social conditions for the ministry"s employees, creating decent and appropriate work conditions for them is the main priority of the Agency.

Starting from January 1, 2022, the salaries of police officers, patrol-inspectors, border guards, firefighters and all employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have increased by 10%. From 2023, the salary of full-time employees has increased by 20%, and for other employees - by 10%, like all other public sector employees.

Vakhtang Gomelauri also summed up the “Police City” construction project. According to him, within the framework of the project, approximately 1,000 police officers will be provided with apartments.

The Minister of Internal Affairs stated that in 2023, reforms, infrastructure and equipment renewal will be actively continued.