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Vasile Cătălin GOLOP – PUBLIC ORDER AND CITIZEN SAFETY: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL TACTICS

15/03/2025RST 1(29)/2025
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DOI: 10.38173/RST.2025.29.1.2:19-29

ABSTRACT:

MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER AND PROTECTING THE SAFETY OF THE CITIZEN IS A STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE OF THE MODERN STATE, WHICH INVOLVES THE COMPLEX INTERACTION BETWEEN THE NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK, SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS AND EVOLVING CRIMINOGENIC FACTORS. THIS ARTICLE ANALYZES, FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE, THE ROLE OF POLICING AND OPERATIONAL TACTICS IN PREVENTING, MANAGING AND COMBATING THREATS TO COMMUNITY SECURITY. THE STUDY EXAMINES THE LEGISLATIVE FOUNDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE RELEVANT NORMATIVE ACTS (LAW NO. 218/2002 ON THE ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONING OF THE ROMANIAN POLICE, LAW NO. 550/2004 ON THE ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONING OF THE ROMANIAN GENDARMERIE, LAW NO. 60/1991 ON THE ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, ETC.) AND HIGHLIGHTS THE TACTICAL PROCEDURES DEVELOPED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT. THE PAPER EMPHASIZES INTER-INSTITUTIONAL COORDINATION MECHANISMS AND POLICE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS, HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRO-ACTIVE RISK ASSESSMENT AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PATROLLING, MONITORING AND INTERVENTION MEASURES ADAPTED TO THE SOCIO-TERRITORIAL CONTEXT. IT DETAILS ASPECTS SUCH AS PATROLLING AREAS WITH HIGH CRIME POTENTIAL, THE DEPLOYMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT UNITS AT LARGE-SCALE EVENTS, THE USE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES (VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS, FACIAL RECOGNITION, ETC.) AND THE REAL-TIME CORRELATION OF INFORMATION THROUGH COMMAND POINTS.

KEY WORDS: PUBLIC ORDER, CITIZEN SAFETY, OPERATIONAL TACTICS, ACTION PLAN, ANTISOCIAL ACTS

 

INTRODUCTION

Maintaining public order and ensuring citizen safety are two of the fundamental objectives of any modern state. In a social and geopolitical context characterized by rapid and unpredictable developments – from the rise of radicalization phenomena to the increase in cross-border crime and the expansion of cybercrime – the role of law enforcement becomes essential in protecting individual life and liberties.

The police structures, through their operational apparatus and specialized tactics, are constantly working to prevent, manage and punish anti-social acts, making a decisive contribution to social stability and increasing public confidence in state institutions. At the same time, these interventions are carried out under the pressure of respect for fundamental rights and civil liberties, generating the need for a permanent balance between security and the protection of privacy.

This article deals with the complexity of the issue of public order from the perspective of public order policing mechanisms and operational tactics used in today’s dynamic society. In order to provide an overview, the research will analyze both the conceptual and normative framework, as well as the organizational factors and methodologies of intervention, highlighting the current challenges and possible directions of optimization. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the paper aims to contribute to the improvement of policing practices and to support public policies that aim to make policing more efficient and effective for the benefit of the citizen.

 

  1. CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Maintaining public order and guaranteeing the safety of citizens are fundamental principles of any rule of law, expressly enshrined in the Romanian Constitution and detailed in a series of infra-constitutional normative acts [1]. In addition, the international treaties and conventions to which Romania is a party, together with European legislation, contribute to the definition of a sturdy legal framework, designed to regulate the actions and responsibilities of public authorities with responsibilities in the field of public order and public safety.

This chapter aims to provide a theoretical and legislative basis that clarifies the key elements involved in maintaining public order, focusing on the definition and conceptual delimitation of the terms ‘public order’ and ‘citizen safety’. It will also highlight the main normative and institutional landmarks that structure this field, taking into account the diversity of relevant legislative sources and the need for an integrated approach to the phenomenon.

 

1.1. Definition and delimitation of concepts: what is meant by “public order” and “citizen safety” in the legal, administrative and security sciences

1.1.1. Public order: approaches and constituent elements

The notion of “public order” is a central concept in the legal, administrative and security sciences, being, in essence, the set of social norms, values and rules that ensure the proper functioning of society and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens [2]. According to Romanian legislation, this concept is found in multiple normative acts, such as:

  • Romanian Constitution (republished), which stipulates the obligation of the state to protect the rule of law and the fundamental freedoms of individuals;
  • Law No 218/2002 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Police, which establishes the competences of the police in maintaining public order and preventing anti-social acts;
  • Law No 550/2004 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Gendarmerie, which regulates the powers of this institution in ensuring and restoring public order;
  • Law no. 60/1991 on the organization and holding of public assemblies (republished), which regulates the conditions under which citizens may exercise their right to assemble, while respecting the necessary security framework.

From a legal-administrative perspective, public order implies the existence and effective application of general rules of coexistence, ensuring social discipline and maintaining a climate of normality, in which individual rights and freedoms are protected and deviations from these rules are sanctioned according to the law [3].

In the sphere of security sciences, public order is analyzed in close connection with state mechanisms to prevent and counteract risks to national and local stability. This perspective emphasizes the importance of information flows, crisis management and inter-institutional collaboration, so that policing actions are both effective and proportionate to the degree of risk identified.

 

1.1.2. Citizen security: dimensions and operational implications

“Citizen security’ refers to the protection of life, physical integrity, fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals in society. In doctrine and institutional practice, this concept is approached through the prism of public measures, mechanisms and policies designed to create and maintain an environment free from serious threats. Citizen security manifests itself on multiple levels [4]:

  • personal safety – protecting the individual from physical threats, including violence, theft, terrorist attacks or other forms of aggression.
  • collective safety – ensuring order and security in public spaces, through the intervention of specialized structures (Police, Gendarmerie, Local Police), in order to maintain a civilized climate and prevent the escalation of anti-social acts.
  • community safety – involves a set of preventive and proactive measures, based on cooperation between the authorities, the private sector and civil society, to identify risk factors early and promote community resilience.

From a regulatory point of view, citizen safety is based, among others, on Law no. 218/2002 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Police, Law no. 155/2010 on Local Police, the Criminal Code, but also on secondary regulations that set the standards for intervention and protection of persons in emergency or crisis situations. Moreover, at European level, the European Union Directives and Regulations on security and protection of citizens’ rights directly influence the practice of Member States in terms of how to guarantee public safety.

 

1.1.3. Integrating concepts into practice: the link between “public order” and “citizen safety”.

In the view of the institutions responsible for public order and public safety, the two concepts are closely interdependent. Public order provides the general framework of stability, setting the legal and moral limits within which social life can take place, while public safety is the practical end result of the authorities’ efforts, whereby the rules of coexistence and the protection of fundamental values become a daily reality.

In this way, citizens’ safety is immediately jeopardized when public order is compromised and the competent law enforcement agencies intervene to restore the balance. At the same time, the measures taken to protect citizens must be proportionate and in line with the principles of the rule of law, in order to avoid excessive restriction of individual rights and freedoms.

Clearly defining and delimiting the concepts of “public order” and “citizen safety” provides the normative and operational foundation for understanding the role of police structures in maintaining social stability. In the following chapters, we will explore how these concepts are put into practice through public order devices and specialized operational tactics, highlighting the specific tools and processes that ensure an optimal level of security in line with legislation and democratic standards.

 

1.2. National and international legislative framework: presentation of the main legal regulations governing public order and the powers of police structures

The maintenance of public order and the protection of citizens’ safety is carried out within a complex regulatory framework, made up of constitutional provisions, organic and ordinary laws, as well as legal instruments with international and European applicability. In the following, we will highlight the main legal acts that define the competences of the institutions authorized to ensure public order and public safety and that impose standards of professional conduct in the exercise of police duties.

 

1.2.1. The Romanian Constitution and the principles of the rule of law

The Constitution of Romania, as the fundamental law, establishes general principles for maintaining and restoring public order and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens [5]. Relevant constitutional provisions include:

  • article 1, which enshrines Romania as a democratic and social state based on the rule of law, conferring on public authorities the obligation to maintain the rule of law;
  • articles 22 and 23, which guarantee the right to life, physical and mental integrity and individual liberty;
  • article 26, which protects private, family and private life, while establishing the boundaries within which surveillance or control measures by state authorities may be carried out;
  • article 31, which provides for the right to information, with implications for institutional transparency and citizen-police relations.

These constitutional norms create the legal basis for the adoption and enforcement of laws and regulations governing the work of law enforcement structures.

 

1.2.2. National legislation specific to the field of public order and police duties

  • law no. 218/2002 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Police, defined as the main law enforcement institution, the Romanian Police has the competence to prevent and combat crimes and misdemeanors, maintain public order and peace, and guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms [6]. It provides for the hierarchical structure, material and territorial competences, as well as forms of cooperation with other institutions (e.g., Gendarmerie, Border Police, General Anticorruption Directorate).
  • law No. 60/1991 (republished) on the organization and conduct of public assemblies, which lays down the conditions for exercising the right to freedom of assembly, with the obligation to respect public order and peace. It empowers public order structures to intervene when demonstrations become violent or when legal restrictions are violated [7].
  • the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure contain rules on the sanctioning of acts that undermine the rule of law and specific procedures for conducting criminal prosecution and investigation in criminal cases. It confers powers on the criminal investigation bodies of the police to identify, apprehend and bring to justice persons suspected of committing crimes.

 

  1. THE STRUCTURE AND ROLE OF PUBLIC ORDER DEVICES IN MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER

 After analyzing in the first chapter the theoretical foundations and the legislative framework governing public order and citizen safety, in this chapter we will focus on the operational structure that ensures the effective implementation of security rules and policies. The public order apparatus, in all its organizational forms – from the local to the national level – has the responsibility to maintain social stability, to intervene quickly and safely in risk situations and to protect the fundamental rights of citizens.

In the context of an increasingly complex social and operational environment, marked by the growing diversity of threats and the dynamics of public events, the way in which the Romanian Police and the other structures with responsibilities in this field coordinate and plan their actions becomes essential. In the following sections, we will analyze the institutional organization, competences and levels of responsibility of these structures, as well as the coordination and operational planning mechanisms that ensure an efficient and legal intervention in maintaining and restoring public order.

 

2.1. Elements of coordination and operational planning: how to draw up action plans in risk situations, identification of information sources, role of operational structures

Law enforcement necessarily requires a well-developed operational management system to guide the planning and coordination of human and material resources. In Romania, these processes are mainly regulated by the normative acts establishing the responsibilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI), as well as by the internal regulations of the subordinate structures. This sub-chapter provides an overview of the mechanisms and procedures through which police structures develop and implement action plans in risk situations, highlighting the role of intelligence sources and operational commands.

 

2.2.1. Mechanisms for developing action plans and managing risk situations

According to Law no. 218/2002 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Police, the Police is obliged to draw up action and intervention plans aimed at preventing and combating anti-social acts. Subsequent normative acts, such as certain orders of the MAI, regulate the detailed procedures for the organization and conduct of specific missions.

Before drawing up an operational action plan, the competent structures carry out a prior assessment of the social context and possible risks and threats (large-scale protests, sporting events, mass cultural events). This assessment involves the use of specific methodologies of operational analysis and intelligence analysis, combining statistical data on criminality, information from open sources (social media, press) and classified data obtained through intelligence-operational activity [9].

A standard action plan includes mission objectives (e.g. prevention of serious public disorder), resources involved (personnel, logistics, equipment), deployment schemes (how the troops will be deployed in the field), intervention procedures and security measures. There is also a component setting out the levels of response (initially, dialog and warning; then, progressive use of force, only if the situation requires it) and the conditions under which additional forces are activated (Special Gendarmerie Brigade, rapid intervention teams

The action plans are generally dynamic documents, subject to regular updates as risk factors change and the situation on the ground evolves. Operational meetings are organized to analyze new data and adapt tactics in order to ensure a prompt and effective response to unforeseen events.

 

2.2.2. Identifying information sources and their role in the decision-making process

Official and open sources. Official sources include the databases of the Romanian Police, other MAI structures (Border Police, General Anticorruption Directorate), the Public Ministry or intelligence institutions (Romanian Intelligence Service – within the limits of legal competences). Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to publicly available information obtained from the press, social networks, official websites, open government databases [10]. This data can signal in real time possible threats, mobilization trends of social groups or risks associated with certain events.

Inter-institutional cooperation. Law no. 218/2002, in conjunction with other normative acts, requires the exchange of information between institutions involved in maintaining public order. To this end, cooperation centres are organized at county and national level (ex. Operational Centers / Operational Center within the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police), where data from multiple sources are processed and correlated, facilitating an integrated emergency management [11].

Operational investigations and intelligence work. The police and other authorized structures may carry out intelligence gathering activities in environments likely to generate anti-social acts (organized crime networks, hooligan groups, areas with potential for conflict), in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure and special legislation. The data obtained in this way are integrated into the operational database, analyzed and used in the development of prevention and action plans, in strict compliance with the principles of personal data protection (GDPR and Law no. 363/2018, respectively applicable EU Directives).

 

2.2.3 Role of operational structures in the implementation of action plans

In high-risk or large-scale situations (public demonstrations, civil crises, natural disasters), the Operational Command Center (OCC) is set up at national level [12]. This center is composed of representatives of the Police, Gendarmerie, Border Police, the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and, where appropriate, other relevant actors (governmental institutions, local authorities). They set strategic decisions and supervise the conduct of tactical actions.

Essential functions of the Operational Command Center:

  • planning and coordination: ensures the distribution of forces and resources, establishes communication channels and reporting mechanisms.
  • real-time monitoring and assessment: receives continuous information on the evolution of the event, takes decisions on the redirection of forces to hot spots and establishes deterrence strategies.
  • communications and public relations: as the single point of contact, coordinates communication with the media and civil society, avoiding the spread of conflicting information and maintaining transparency of actions.
  • crisis management: in case the event reaches crisis proportions, it triggers the emergency plans (issued in accordance with Law no. 481/2004 on civil protection and MAI regulations), including involving other supporting authorities (Army, Emergency Services, etc.).

After the completion of missions, the COC coordinates post-operational evaluations, producing reports and analysis on the effectiveness of the intervention, legality and proportionality. These evaluations are subsequently used to optimize tactics and update standard procedures, thus enhancing future responsiveness.

The elements of operational coordination and planning are the backbone of the law and order arrangements. By constantly assessing risks, linking information from multiple sources and efficiently organizing operational structures, police structures can respond promptly, lawfully and proportionately to events that may endanger community safety.

 

  1. OPERATIONAL TACTICS IN ENSURING CITIZEN SAFETY

 After having examined, in the previous chapters, the conceptual and legislative framework of public order, as well as the organization and responsibilities of police structures, we turn our attention to the concrete ways in which these institutions carry out their mission of protecting the community. In a context in which crime and security threats can vary substantially – from street crime to large-scale social unrest – operational tactics play a key role in ensuring a climate of stability and increasing citizens’ trust in state institutions.

The prevention, intervention and rapid reaction of law enforcement forces are based on time-tested concepts and procedures, integrated with modern risk management principles. These tactics are developed and applied in full compliance with national legislation and international standards in order to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. In the following sections, we will detail the operational methods used by police structures, emphasizing the component of prevention and deterrence of anti-social acts, the actual intervention in crisis situations and the role of modern technologies in strengthening the actions of maintaining public order.

 

3.1. Preventing and combating anti-social crime: patrolling at-risk areas, visible presence of law enforcement officers, public information campaigns

The prevention and deterrence of anti-social behaviour is the basic pillar of any effective public order system, considerably reducing the potential for escalation of criminal behaviour and contributing to an increased sense of security among the population [13]. In Romania, these activities are carried out under Law No 218/2002 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Police, Law No 550/2004 on the organization and functioning of the Romanian Gendarmerie, and other related legislation, which provide for the tactical and operational powers of the police forces.

3.1.1. Patrolling in risk areas is based on the identification and assessment of vulnerable areas, based on criminological analysis, statistical data and information resulting from operational activities, the police and gendarmerie structures delimit areas with increased criminal potential (neighborhoods with high crime rate, areas frequented by young people, proximity of strategic objectives).

3.1.2. Establishing the patrol plan. Within the framework of the plan, mobile and foot patrols are set up to cover the delimited perimeters, on a flexible schedule, in accordance with the identified risks (intensified patrols during peak crime periods).

3.1.3. Proactive patrolling techniques, including discreet monitoring of suspicious persons, vehicle checks, cooperation with local police and support units (e.g. canine teams, rapid intervention teams) – visible police presence

3.1.4. Psychological deterrence of anti-social intentions. Specialized studies show that the increased visibility of police and gendarmerie has an immediate deterrent effect on criminal intentions.

3.1.5. Attract citizens’ cooperation. By interacting directly with the population, police officers can obtain relevant information on possible conflicts or the presence of elements that may generate disturbances.

3.1.6 Protective equipment and equipment. In accordance with the law, police structures are obliged to maintain an adequate level of equipment (uniforms, marked vehicles, personal protective equipment) that gives authority and ensures prompt reaction to events.

3.1.7. Public information campaigns 

Through these prevention and deterrence measures, law enforcement aims to create and maintain a climate of trust and security in the community. Whether it is mobile patrols in vulnerable areas, more active presence of police officers in public places, or public information campaigns, all these actions have the ultimate aim of protecting the lives and property of citizens, reducing opportunities for crime and strengthening cooperation between the authorities and civil society. In the following sections, other categories of operational tactics, such as crisis intervention and the role of forensic tactical methods, will be analyzed in order to highlight the integrated vision of public order maintenance.

 

3.2. Use of modern technologies: video surveillance systems, facial recognition, predictive analytics, impact of new technologies on operational tactics

Modern technologies play an increasingly important role in ensuring an effective public order system adapted to dynamic contexts, marked by the diversity of threats. In Romania, the use of these technological solutions by the competent authorities is carried out in accordance with the legal provisions. Below are the main technologies integrated into operational tactics and their implications on the way in which law enforcement structures carry out their missions.

3.2.1. Video monitoring systems and their role in preventing and combating crime. The presence of surveillance cameras significantly reduces crime rates (theft, vandalism, spontaneous assaults), as potential offenders become aware of the risk of being identified. Recorded images can provide objective evidence of anti-social crime, speeding up the criminal investigation process and facilitating the identification of suspects. Cameras are installed on the basis of risk analysis and statistical data indicating areas with a high incidence of crime.

In administrative-territorial units, the Local Police is responsible for the operation of certain surveillance systems, in accordance with Law 155/2010, in coordination with the Romanian Police, in order to avoid duplication and streamline the monitoring process.

It is mandatory to warn citizens about the areas under video surveillance and images should only be kept for the time strictly necessary to achieve the intended purpose (preventing and combating crime).

3.2.2. Facial recognition and biometric analysis. Facial recognition is based on advanced algorithms that identify and compare facial features with profiles stored in databases (database of wanted persons, Border Police database). Complementary biometric technologies include fingerprint, iris or voice recognition, but their deployment in the field is more rare and requires specialized equipment.

Facial recognition is subject to a strict legal regime given the potential for privacy intrusion. The National Supervisory Authority sets the conditions under which such technologies can be used, requiring a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA).

Proportionality between the need for security and the protection of individual rights is a key principle in the use of facial recognition. Law enforcement must justify the use of the technology and implement safeguards against unauthorized access to biometric data.

3.2.3. Impact of new technologies on operational tactics

Increasing efficiency and immediate response. The integration of video surveillance systems, facial recognition and predictive analytics in operational command centers leads to a faster response and a more judicious allocation of forces in the field. Through direct connection with intervention teams, the collected data can be sent in real time, facilitating adapted operational decisions and reducing the risk of incidents escalating.

Adapting professional training. The implementation of these technologies requires specialized personnel, who combine technical skills (IT, cybersecurity knowledge) with tactical training and knowledge of the legislation. The Police Academy and the Schengen Training Center, together with other professional training institutions, are introducing specific courses on the use of digital tools, database management and the protection of classified information.

The need for a balanced approach. Although modern technologies considerably improve the efficiency of police structures, they also come with associated risks: invasion of privacy, possible excessive surveillance of the population, cyber vulnerabilities.

Respect for fundamental rights and transparency in the application of new methods are fundamental principles, thus ensuring the maintenance of public trust and avoiding abuses. In conclusion, technological innovation is a transformative factor in the field of operational tactics, providing public order structures with the necessary tools to ensure a higher level of community security. From video surveillance and facial recognition to predictive analytics based on artificial intelligence, these technical solutions allow for the prevention and more efficient management of risk situations. However, their implementation must be governed by a clear legal framework that guarantees the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and imposes rigorous control over the way data is collected, stored and used.

 

  1. CONCLUSIONS, CHALLENGES, PERSPECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Having analyzed, in the previous chapters, the conceptual and normative foundations of public order, the operational structure of law enforcement and the tactics used in maintaining social stability, it is necessary to address the challenges they currently face. Technological evolution, globalization and radical changes in the geopolitical landscape have amplified the complexity of threats, from radicalization and terrorism to cross-border crime and, more recently, cybercrime.

Faced with these challenges, a reassessment of existing policies and procedures is required, as well as the development of innovative response and prevention mechanisms. At the same time, it becomes crucial to maintain a fair balance between security measures and the protection of human rights, to ensure that the solutions adopted respect the fundamental values ​​of the rule of law and do not lead to abuses or violations of individual freedoms. In this chapter, we will examine both the main current challenges in the field of public order and the ethical and legal dilemmas that security measures generate, while also providing insights and recommendations aimed at contributing to strengthening public security in a sustainable and responsible manner.

 

4.1. Current challenges in maintaining public order: radicalization, terrorism, cross-border crime, cybercrime, mass protests, etc.

Radicalization manifests itself through the adoption of extremist ideologies that can lead to violent acts, being influenced by social, economic and cultural factors. Law no. 535/2004 on the prevention and combating of terrorism establishes the legal framework for the identification, prosecution and sanctioning of terrorist activities, involving cooperation between the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Romanian Police, the Gendarmerie and other relevant authorities. International bodies, such as Europol and Interpol, facilitate the exchange of information and the coordination of anti-terrorist operations on a cross-border scale.

Organized crime takes advantage of the opening of borders and the free flow of people and goods, being involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking or smuggling. Directive (EU) 2016/680 and other European instruments strengthen cooperation between Member States in preventing and combating serious crime. National police structures (Romanian Police, Border Police), together with judicial authorities (DIICOT, DNA), apply integrated investigation and prosecution strategies, in collaboration with European institutions.

Cyber ​​attacks, payment system fraud, identity theft and other forms of cyber abuse have become major threats. Law no. 161/2003 on some measures to ensure transparency in the exercise of public dignities and Law no. 365/2002 on electronic commerce, as subsequently amended and supplemented, regulate cybercrime and establish the powers of criminal investigation bodies in this area. Specialized teams within the Romanian Police, such as the Organized Crime Combating Brigade – Computer Crime Combating Service, collaborate with CERT-RO (National Cyber ​​Security Directorate) and international partners to prevent and promptly respond to cyberattacks.

Law no. 60/1991 on the organization and conduct of public assemblies (republished) regulates the exercise of the right to free assembly, while requiring respect for public order and the rights of third parties. The Romanian Gendarmerie and the Police are obliged to ensure the peaceful conduct of protests and prevent the escalation of violence, using de-escalation tactics and, only in extreme cases, proportional force.

In conclusion, we can say that the current challenges in maintaining public order require a permanent adaptation of security structures, both from an operational and legislative point of view. Faced with a diverse range of threats – from terrorism and cross-border crime to social and information crises – the authorities must combine efficiency and firmness with respect for the fundamental principles of human rights. This chapter highlights the need for a balance between security measures and individual freedoms, underlining the responsibility of institutions to be vigilant not only against external dangers, but also against the temptation of excess in the application of security norms.

 

REFERENCES

 

[1] Constituţia României, art. 26 alin. 2

[2] Ştefan Deaconu, Marian Enache, Ordinea publică în dreptul românesc , Editura Hamangiu, pag. 106-117,

[3] Tiberiu Pavelescu, Ordinea publică în dreptul administrativ/Public order in administrative law, Public security studies, vol. 3, no. 2(10), April-June 2014, pag. 37

[4] Strategia națională de ordine și siguranță publică 2023 – 2027, Bucureşti, 2023, pag. 9-11

[5] Constituţia României, art. 1, 22, 23, 26 şi 31

[6] Legea nr. 218/2002 privind organizarea și funcționarea Poliției Române, art. 1

[7] Legea nr. 60/1991 (republicată) privind organizarea și desfășurarea adunărilor publice

[8] Legii nr. 550/2004 privind organizarea și funcționarea Jandarmeriei Române

[9] Ministerul Afacerilor Interne, Plan de acţiune SIGURANŢA, 28 februarie 2010

[10]Centru naţional de formare în securitate cibernetică, Introducere în Investigări de Informații cu Sursă Deschisă (OSINT)

[11] Poliţia Română, Unităţi centrale – Centru Operaţional, https://politiaromana.ro/ro/politia-romana/unitati-centrale/centrul-operational

[12] Ministerul Afacerilor Interne, Centrul Operaţional de Comandă

[13] Inspectoratul General al Poliţiei Române, Ştiri – Peste 2.500 de intervenții, în sprijinul cetățenilor, 02 martie 2025, https://politiaromana.ro/ro/stiri/peste-2-500-de-interventii-in-sprijinul-cetatenilor1740914033

About the Author

Vasile Cătălin GOLOP

PhD Vasile Catalin GOLOP, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” Police Academy, Bucharest

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