NCJ Number
143474
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The link between public security and democracy in Hungary is examined, as well as public perceptions of the police, the increasing crime rate, and efforts to reorganize and reform the Hungarian police force.
Abstract
Hungary has had a democracy since 1990, and a certain level of public security is guaranteed by the state. During the past 2 to 3 years, the number of criminal cases has more than doubled, from 200,000 to 430,000, and police efficiency has decreased. Despite the crime rate trend, public perceptions of the police are improving. Many aspects of public security, however, are still of concern, such as fear of change and instability, economic problems, lack of patrol officers on the street, and poorly educated police officers. Hungary's police force is centrally organized, with 19 regions and the metropolitan area of Budapest. Municipal police force units maintain law and order within the territory, but their authority does not extend to serious crimes. Regional police headquarters investigate serious crimes, arrange for cooperation between municipal police force units, monitor regional police activity, and maintain connections with the National Police Headquarters. Key issues for the Hungarian police organization involve educating 3,000 new police officers yearly until 1995 and creating a more positive public image. Several recommendations are offered to achieve democracy and maintain public security: pass police reform legislation; end the state monopoly over the security business; create a legal environment for private businesses and private investigations; and encourage citizens to work with the police, special agencies, private detectives, and other private companies to attain a higher level of public security. 1 figure