The Police Administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Zenica-Doboj Canton (MUP ZDK), in collaboration with the TPO Foundation, successfully organized a one-day educational session titled “Handling Public Assemblies and Public Events in ZDK: Focusing on Media Relations and Gender Equality.” Held at the Police Training Center of the ZDK Police Administration, this training was part of the UNIGEM project, aimed at enhancing professional capacities and ensuring gender equality within institutional practices.

This educational session provided police officers with an opportunity to expand and enhance their practical knowledge of legal frameworks, especially in light of increased security challenges, which have led to a rise in public gatherings, including peaceful protests. Proper interpretation and application of the law are crucial to ensuring the safety of citizens and respecting their rights to assemble.

The training program was led by experienced instructors, Chief Inspector Elvedin Fišek, Head of the Criminal Police Sector, and Senior Inspector Aldina Alić, Head of the Department for Public Relations, Analytics, and Planning. During the first part of the session, participants received a detailed overview of legislative provisions related to public assemblies and events, alongside methods for effectively applying the law in practical scenarios.

A special emphasis was placed on media relations – high-quality and objective reporting on security situations is essential for the public, and during the session, police officers were guided on how to maintain a professional and ethical approach to working with journalists. The training highlighted the differences between journalists’ rights and obligations, stressing the importance of respecting their right to work without hindrance, as well as identifying instances where media access may need to be limited to ensure safety and the effective execution of official duties.

Following an analysis of new legal frameworks, it was concluded that professional cooperation between the police and the media is essential to ensure transparency and timely public information. This collaboration fosters trust between institutions and the community, particularly in crisis situations.

This training is a testament to the ongoing partnership between the TPO Foundation and MUP ZDK, aimed at promoting professionalism, responsible conduct, and gender equality, ultimately contributing to greater transparency and improved service for the citizens of Zenica-Doboj Canton.