Dejan Frković, Chief of Police in Šabac, attended a Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) gathering, raising questions about police neutrality in Serbia. The event took place in the village of Grušić, with photos shared by Šabac Mayor Aleksandar Pajić on Facebook. Frković, in civilian clothes among SNS supporters, has sparked debate on the conduct of police officials at political events.
Serbian law prohibits police officers from participating in political activities unless it is part of their official duties. This rule aims to keep the police force impartial. Frković’s presence at the SNS event, without any apparent official capacity, suggests a possible breach of this principle. Danas, a Serbian news outlet, contacted the Šabac Police Department for clarification but received no response.
This incident is not isolated. It follows a pattern where high-ranking police officials have been seen at SNS events. In December 2023, then-chief of Šabac police Aleksandar Vilotijević attended an SNS pre-election rally without explanation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP). Similarly, Dragan Vasiljević, Director of Police, was present at an SNS-affiliated highway opening celebration with key party figures like Miloš Vučević and President Aleksandar Vučić.
The recurring presence of senior police officials at political gatherings raises concerns about law enforcement and public trust in the police force. Depoliticization is crucial for maintaining credibility and effectiveness in law enforcement. When police officers participate in political events, it blurs the line between state functions and party politics, leading to perceptions of bias and undermining the rule of law.
Frković’s recent appointment as Chief of Police in Šabac, just ten days before the event, adds to the controversy. He previously served in the Unit for the Security of Certain Persons and Objects, highlighting the need to separate professional duties from political affiliations. The lack of an official explanation for his attendance fuels speculation and distrust.
The issue extends beyond Šabac. Other high-ranking officials like Marko Kričak, Head of the Criminal Police Directorate, and Radoslav Repac, Commander of the Gendarmerie, have also attended significant SNS gatherings, including a major rally in Belgrade’s Arena earlier this year.
