Shooting range of Stefan cel Mare Academy to be modernized

Chisinau, June 21 /MOLDPRES/- Shooting range of Stefan cel Mare Academy of the Interior Ministry, where current and future police officers are trained will be modernized and endowed with state-of-the-art equipment. The renovations will be carried out under a project implemented by UNDP, with financial support of the U.S. Government, provided through the Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The project Strengthening the Police Training Capacities in the Republic of Moldova lasts two years, with a budget of about 2.6 million dollars.

According to the administration of Stefan cel Mare Academy, during the whole period of its operation, since its construction in 1983, the shooting range has not been renovated, only its functional capacity has been maintained. After the repairs, the training environment will be improved and police officers will be able to practise handling firearms, including by simulating situations they may encounter in their professional work - from cases of violence to large-scale operations to apprehend armed criminals.

"A modern law enforcement system, including training and infrastructure, is essential to upholding the rule of law. The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce an investment of $2,665,000, which reconfirms our commitment to fortify the capabilities of the Moldovan law enforcement system to adapt quickly to challenges. The shooting range upgrades will provide police employees with access to state-of-the-art facilities so they can improve their proficiency in handling their weapons," said Laura Hruby, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Moldova.

"With the valuable support of the U.S. Government and UNDP, we will equip MAI personnel with the knowledge and tools necessary to meet current and future challenges while ensuring respect for human rights and international standards. The investment in the professional training of our police officers is an investment in the safety of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova," said Adrian Efros, Minister of Internal Affairs.

In addition to the shooting range modernization project, the UNDP and the US Government are also supporting a joint project to transform the Stefan cel Mare Academy into a modern training centre for future police officers. The academy's forensic laboratory will be renovated and equipped with the latest technical equipment to be used in criminal prosecutions.