DPM Bečić hosts reception for members of the Special Police Unit

Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight Against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić hosted a reception at Villa Gorica for members of the Special Police Unit, who achieved an outstanding result at the prestigious global competition of elite police units, the UAE SWAT Challenge, held in Dubai.

Competing against 109 teams from around the world, Montenegro’s Special Police Unit ranked as the highest-placed team among EU Member States, EU candidate countries, and Western Balkan countries, thereby strongly affirming on the international stage the professionalism, training, and operational readiness of Montenegro’s security sector.

The reception was also attended by Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović and Director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović.

Addressing the Special Police Unit members, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić emphasized that their achievement goes beyond a sporting competition and sends a strong message about Montenegro’s capacity to build institutions capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the most advanced security systems in the world.

As a former athlete, I feel particular pride watching how you, under the flag of Montenegro, overcame the most demanding courses and challenges. You have demonstrated that top results do not depend on the size of a country or its financial power, but on discipline, hard work, synergy, team spirit, and love for the country you represent. If it were otherwise, all outcomes would be predetermined and all matches lost in advance. You are proof that the heart, knowledge, and unity of small yet proud Montenegro push boundaries. By achieving the best result compared to all countries in the region, EU Member States, and candidate countries, you have made us immensely proud, Bečić stated.

He underlined that the Government’s commitment is clear and unwavering: Today, the State of Montenegro entrusts the fight against crime to the best within the police ranks. In addition to strengthening personnel capacities, we have provided concrete operational and technical support through the opening of a modern Training Centre for elite units, the procurement of new uniforms and weaponry, and the forthcoming acquisition of light armoured vehicles for the Special Police Unit – for the first time in many years and decades. You will be equipped and trained according to the highest standards. In return, we ask only one thing: morality, professionalism, and unwavering integrity. Be assured that the State will strongly protect and reward professionals, while resolutely applying the law to anyone who undermines the reputation of the service or deviates from the law – because that will be the greatest reward and the strongest message of support to the best among you, Bečić concluded.

On behalf of the Special Police Unit, Commander Miloš Rakonjac expressed gratitude for the continuous institutional support, emphasizing that investments in equipment, training, and operational autonomy provide strong encouragement for further enhancing the Unit’s capacities.

Our goal is clear: to build a resilient, modern, and professional police system that guarantees security to citizens and ensures the State’s decisive and uncompromising fight against organized crime, terrorism, and all contemporary security challenges, Rakonjac stated.

Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović stressed that the Special Police Unit’s success lies not only in their ranking, but in the values they demonstrated. The foundation of success is not the position on the leaderboard. It is unity, discipline, and the strength of team spirit. Your result has significantly enhanced the reputation of the Montenegrin Police in the European and regional context. In the year ahead, we are entering a period of a historic budget allocation for the Ministry of the Interior, with EUR 54 million designated solely for strong operational and technical advancement: the procurement of state-of-the-art video surveillance systems, radar and biometric systems, drones and anti-drone technologies. With this, we begin the historic digitalization of the security sector, which will significantly enhance the efficiency and security of the State, Šaranović emphasized.

Director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović affirmed that the current leadership will remain consistent in combating all forms of crime and malign influence. In this fight, there are no protected individuals. The law will be applied equally to all. Regardless of attempts at discreditation and the dissemination of disinformation, the Police Directorate remains firmly committed to performing its duties professionally, lawfully, and decisively. Continue to improve and raise your level of readiness, and the leadership’s support will remain continuous and stronger than ever, Šćepanović concluded.

The reception was also an opportunity for Deputy Prime Minister Bečić to present plaques of appreciation to the officers for their international success and to send a clear message that Montenegro is building a strong, professional, and European security system founded on knowledge, integrity, and zero tolerance for crime.