A joint group will be created in Nizhyn to effectively respond to security issues in condominiums

On August 16, 2021, a roundtable discussion was held in Nizhyn on the topic “Mechanisms of cooperation between the police and condominiums in the field of ensuring the security of buildings” with the participation of representatives of local authorities, the Nizhyn Police Department of the Main Police Department in Chernihiv region, the municipal guard, and the heads of the city’s condominiums.

Despite the fact that the city’s population does not exceed 70 thousand, about 100 associations of co-owners of apartment buildings (COOs) have already been created in Nizhyn, which indicates the activity and responsibility of residents.

The meeting was opened by Kateryna Dankova, a representative of the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, who presented the “Neighborhood Guard” project. This initiative is an effective way to increase the security of houses and the surrounding area through the activity of the condominium association, as well as establishing cooperation between the police, local authorities and the residents of the buildings themselves.

This approach allows to increase the legal awareness of citizens and trust in the police, reduce the level of crime, involve community residents in constant communication and interaction with the police by timely informing about the use of alcoholic beverages, the presence of suspicious persons or vehicles, preventing apartment thefts, violations of landscaping, etc.

During the discussion, the participants were able to identify acute issues in the field of city security that have not been resolved for a long time.

Thus, one of the heads of the condominium association emphasized that there are many problems in the city, but one of the current challenges is stray dogs and the lack of a shelter for them in Nizhyn.

Separately, mechanisms for interaction and an algorithm for joint actions in case of violation of the rules of improvement and assistance in compiling documentation by police officers regarding the commission of offenses were developed.

Head of the Municipal Law Enforcement Service – VARTA of the Nizhyn City Council

Vadym Lavrinets

noted that the city operates a chatbot “eCity Nizhyn – operational assistance” on the Telegram and Viber platforms.

This resource helps the police and the municipal law enforcement service to respond promptly to the commission of crimes or offenses, so it would be advisable to create a similar group for heads of condominium associations and police representatives.

“Many calls and statements regarding the commission of offenses that come to the municipal enterprise are not offenses. It is necessary to raise the legal awareness of citizens and help them to be not indifferent to their home and community,” emphasized Vadym Lavrinets.

The event was organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights as part of the implementation of the project “Enhancing Security – Building Community” with the support of the US Embassy in Ukraine.