Prague 14 Launches Crime Prevention Assistant Patrols

The first four crime prevention assistants have hit the streets of Prague 14, working in pairs and patrolling the district through the end of the year. The project stems from a new district security concept approved by Prague 14 councillors this spring and has received grant support from the Czech Ministry of the Interior.

According to district representatives, the idea was developed right after the crime prevention and security concept for 2026–2031 was adopted, and winning the ministry's grant competition marked a significant achievement. Before hitting their routes, the assistants underwent nearly two weeks of training, receiving uniforms, equipment and professional instruction on working in public spaces.

Learning on the ground under a mentor's guidance

Early September is dedicated to getting thoroughly acquainted with the district. Under the guidance of mentor Pavel Mareček, deputy director for external service at the Prague III district police department, the assistants are studying specific locations, recurring problems, and learning to properly assess situations and choose effective responses.

Mareček noted that similar assistants are already operating in Prague 3 and Prague 9, and their work has received positive feedback from both residents and municipalities — their constant presence helps boost the sense of safety and improve public spaces in problem areas. He stressed that the assistants are not a repressive body and do not replace the state or municipal police. Their main task is a daily presence in public spaces, knowledge of local conditions, and addressing problems at an early stage. Most often they deal with drinking alcohol in prohibited areas, littering in public spaces, and homelessness issues. The assistants resolve most situations themselves, but call in a municipal or state police patrol if there is a threat or if citizens refuse to comply.

Where exactly the patrols will operate

The assistants will focus on locations where disorder is regularly reported — including the area around the Černý Most metro station, the square in Hloubětín, the courtyards of residential complexes, and other public spaces, as well as near schools during school hours. The first shift runs from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the second from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A district representative emphasised that the project's goal is not just to react to problems but to prevent them, boosting residents' sense of security and serving as a link between citizens, the district administration and law enforcement.

Neighbouring Prague 9's experience and joint efforts

Neighbouring Prague 9 has been using a similar model for a second year already, with six assistants patrolling UN Park near the Vysočanská metro station, the area around Českomoravská station, and Přátelství Park in Prosek — the spots where most problems are recorded. Prague 9's deputy mayor Adam Vážanský noted that many troublesome individuals move along metro line B between the two districts, so the districts intend to establish an exchange of information and experience.

Total costs for the Prague 14 project amount to roughly 1.4 million koruna, half of which is covered by the Interior Ministry grant, with the district paying the other half from its own budget. Separately, the district spent around 100,000 koruna on the mentor's training, work phones for the assistants, and uniforms. Looking ahead, possibly as early as next year, the district would like to increase the number of assistants to eight, though the final decision with the ministry will be made by the new political leadership elected in October's elections.

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Source: prazskypatriot.cz