The Polish government is considering allowing foreign nationals to become police officers in the country to combat staff shortages.
A report by commercial radio RMF FM has found that the Polish police are attempting not only to remedy unfilled vacancies but also to prepare for the influx of migrants by allowing foreigners to serve in the Polish police. This, they feel, is required to help them combat crime in the migrant communities.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, the structure of the criminal underworld in Poland will change. Today, the Polish police are increasingly interested in citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia who are committing many of the crimes. However, EU decisions regarding migration will also have an impact on the development of the police strategy in Poland.
Foreign nationals in the Polish police could qualify for both full-time jobs and consultant positions. No decisions have been made on this matter yet but options are being analyzed, including solutions adopted in other countries.
The move is a radical change from the general rule across many Western nations that police officers must be naturalized citizens of the country in which they wish to serve.
Read more: Poland Plans to Welcome Foreign Nationals Into Its Police Force to Combat Staff Shortages