Tourist Patrol Crews to Serve in Tbilisi

The Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Gakharia, stated in Parliament on May 18 that infantry patrol police officers will appear in Tbilisi tourist zones from today to ensure safety and order and to provide support to tourists when asked and needed. 

Minister Giorgi Gakharia stated that initially, only 20 officers will patrol Tbilisi with this new task; however, he stated that the number will increase.

“Gradually, over several weeks, the number of units will go up to 60, which will completely cover all tourist zones of the capital,” Gakharia said, adding that the reason for the introduction of such a patrol was the increased tourist traffic in Georgia, which benefits the state economy and at the same time increases safety threats. 

“The number of tourists in Georgia is growing daily. On the one hand, it is a great benefit for the economy, but on the other it is a serious challenge for the law enforcement system, as such traffic of tourists is related to certain risks,” he said.

The police crews have begun their patrols today.

The patrol units underwent special training at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and while selecting candidates, special attention was paid to their personal habits and communication skills.

In addition, all of them have knowledge of one or more foreign languages, which is one of the essential prerequisites for ensuring police services and the development of these services. Infantry patrols will also actively cooperate with the private security units of entertainment and other facilities in their areas of patrol to minimize reaction time to offenses, and to take preventive measures.

One of the main tasks of the patrol inspectors is to identify crimes committed against tourists, provide them with information about the laws in Georgia, and direct them to special service centers.

By Shawn Wayne