The Ministry of the Interior finalised the Internal Security Strategy for 2015–2020



27.03.2015 | 12:04

News

The Government is set to discuss at its meeting tomorrow the Internal Security Strategy for 2015–2020, which was compiled under the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior and which introduces a more integrated approach to the topics related to designing and implementing internal security policy and calls for enhanced cooperation among the various areas of government and private and third sector bodies.

According to the Deputy Secretary General for Law Enforcement and Migration Policy, Raivo Küüt, the greatest challenge identified in the strategy is to reinforce the attitudes and behaviours that help prevent accidents and to make people more aware of the fact that there is much each one of us can do to make life safer for ourselves and our loved ones.

“Although it is a widely‑held belief that ensuring security is mainly the task of law enforcement and rescue workers, we must keep in mind that by the time help arrives, the damage to people’s lives and property or to nature is already a fact. Everyone has the power to minimise the probability of accidents by the way they behave,” said Küüt.

In fact, the main challenges of the new strategy are, on the one hand, how to create conditions that are more conducive to the targeted development of internal security services (for example ensuring and stepping up response capabilities) and, on the other hand, how to improve public awareness and reinforce the attitudes and behaviours that reduce the need to manage the consequences of accidents and help create a safe living environment.

We are planning to elaborate a community‑based approach to implementing the strategy, which will help to ensure a safe living environment as a joint effort. “In addition, increasing response capabilities may not always be called for, as people’s awareness and skills in preventing threats significantly reduce the need for response capabilities. This resource remains largely untapped in Estonia,” commented Küüt.

Eight working groups participated in preparing the strategy, comprising representatives of various organisations and experts. We also organised discussions in all counties and a conference and discussion days were dedicated to the strategy. The Ministry of the Interior coordinates the implementation of the Internal Security Strategy, and is assisted in this by several public, private and third sector bodies.

The strategy will enter into force upon its adoption by the Government of the Republic, set for tomorrow.

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