The Austrian police officers will wear their own uniforms and equipment during their activities.Continue reading
“From tomorrow, sheriffs will ensure passenger safety, order, and cleanliness on buses and trams throughout the city,” József Tóth-Szántai, Mayor of Miskolc (northeastern Hungary), wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.
The mayor had earlier announced that the sheriff system would be restored, reports Világgazdaság.
In the neighborhoods and residential areas of the city, uniformed inspectors will keep order and public safety, while sheriffs will be on duty on public transport.
Speaking to the local press, the mayor noted that the future of Miskolc lies in good quality public transport. “An important element of the downtown and the City of Bükk program is to bring more green space and water into the city center. For this, clean, predictable, and reliable public transport is essential,” emphasized József Tóth-Szántai. He pointed out that
the introduction of the sheriff system is a complex task, but the city administration has been working closely with experts since June to ensure that Miskolc residents will see visible changes in the coming weeks.
City of Miskolc at night. Photo: Facebook/Tóth-Szántai József
Miskolc is the first major city in Hungary to introduce a sheriff system based on Anglo-Saxon traditions. Consultations with the population on the introduction of the system began in January, following a proposal by the Fidesz-KDNP parliamentary group. Feedback from the public has shown the need for a sheriff who is available 24 hours a day for all citizens. People are reluctant to call the police directly in case of trouble because they do not like to testify and often find the system bureaucratic. However, a sheriff, who lives in the same area and knows the ins and outs of their problems will be more likely to be approached. The sheriffs will not be from the police force. The plan is to have a sheriff in each of the 20 electoral districts of Miskolc, who are in direct contact with the police and other authorities. The new system is expected to further reduce crime.
Via Világgazdaság; Featured image via Pexels