Heydar Aliyev and the Azerbaijani police

“Along with economic, scientific, cultural, intellectual potential Azerbaijan has also a great potential in the system of internal affairs. It should be noted that there are several state attributes to ensure the independence of the government. If one of the attributes is the army, the other - independent foreign policy, the third is definitely Ministry of Internal Affairs, the police authorities.”
                                                                National leader Heydar Aliyev


The social and political stability existed in Azerbaijan is one of the greatest achievements in the history of the republic independence. Obviously, the stability was not achieved easily. Our country faced challenges after acquiring independence. The difficulties of that period laid on the Azerbaijan police. In the beginning of the Karabakh war the Azerbaijani army was not disciplinal, therefore, the police were fighting for the land at the forefront and becoming martyrs. The police were fighting against illegal armed forces.

Great leader praised Azerbaijan police: "Azerbaijani police passed glorious history. In particular, after the events of 1988, on the Karabakh war 932 Azerbaijani police became martyrs, 681 - disabled. At the same time, 67 police officers have been named National Hero. It is a great example of courage, heroism and loyalty for our state. "

The civil war, which began as a result of a struggle for power in the country, Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan with the support of foreign forces lead newly formed republic to the demolition. In such circumstances, when nationalism and independence were threatened, after the return of the national leader Heydar Aliyev to rule as a result of nation petition, after June 15, 1993 the basis of the transition from chaos to the release were laid, there were a number of radical positive changes in the crime situation and the social and political life of the country. One of the ongoing intensive activities were a series of purification in a number of law enforcement bodies, including the bodies of internal affairs, the formation of the government and public devotional staff, involvement of officers who put professional duty and law before all else.

Great leader at a meeting with officials of the Ministry on the 29th of April, 1994 clearly noted shortcomings and gaps on the state service and gave instructions and recommendations to apply them in the shortest possible time. These tasks were carried out in a short time under his own control. In August 1994 National leader signed a decree "On measures to strengthen law and legality and the fight against crime" that laid a very successful and solid foundation for future success and organizational - legal activities in this area. At the same time, taking into account the opinions of influential international organizations and European experts laws from October 28, 1999 "On Police" and "Operative - Investigation Activity", the provisions from June30,  2001 "On the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan" and from July 18, 2001 "On service in the police" have been adopted.

National leader Heydar Aliyev signed 34 laws and more than 100 decrees and orders that are directly related to the activities of law-enforcement bodies, including regulatory mechanisms for implementing human rights and freedoms. Reforms were carried out and a new organizational structure was created in the system of the Ministry. Under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev police launched a successful fight against organized crime, mutiny in the country, against the trends that pose a threat and began to neutralize illegal armed groups. Conditions for a peaceful and tranquil life of the citizens were created, their faith in government increased, law enforcement, social and political, as well as the crime situation were taken under control.

Stability, in turn, created favorable conditions for reform, economic recovery and development. Faith for oil companies in Azerbaijan was increased, and in September of the same year the "Contract of the Century" was signed, that lead to economic progress of the country. But life has shown that persistent activity and firm position of Heydar Aliyev in ensuring national interests were disturbing enemies both within the country and abroad. They have resorted to various methods to block the path of Azerbaijan growth.

The aim was to destabilize the social and political situation in the country, to create artificial conflicts and eventually turn our country from the way of development. Nevertheless, the national leader in October 1994 and in March 1995 prevented the coup attempts due to his intelligence, wisdom, strength, will and determination of the nation who supported him on this way. Our independence was maintained, once and for all the attempts to take rule by force were abolished.

Compared to 1992, in 2002 the number of reported crimes increased from 67 per cent to 94.8 per cent, the total number of crimes decreased by 30.9 percent, including premeditated murder 2.7 times, robbery 3.7 times, theft 5.2 times, crimes committed with firearms 7.2 times, car theft 25 times, as well as closed crimes decreased 13 times. For 10 years, law enforcement agencies collected more than 30,000 illegal weapons.

Nevertheless, in the midst of events April 29, 1994 at a meeting held with the participation of senior officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, President Heydar Aliyev said that "We need to ensure social protection of each officer of the Ministry of Interior. Primarily, these officers have to perform their duties with honor, and secondly, their interests must be protected."

It is obvious that even at a time when the country’s destiny was shaped, Heydar Aliyev took care the bodies of internal affairs and proved his patronage by radical decisions. Thanks to his special care, compared with 1993 in 2003 the Ministry's budget has increased 6 times, the main purpose of the amendment was to strengthen the social protection of employees, conditions of service, the introduction of new information technologies. In addition, more than 300 police and military of the country have been awarded by the highest state awards and medals, including the assignment of the worthy name "National Hero."

All this was possible thanks to administrative skills, professionalism, determination of Heydar Aliyev. Great leader finally got the proper functioning of the internal affairs bodies, mobilized their activities in order to serve for the society and government: regulated bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the internal forces have justified the confidence of the President and became guarantors of security as a result of the ongoing successful reforms.

Constantly appreciating the work of the internal affairs of the country great leader Heydar Aliyev in 2002 by personally visiting holiday of police expressed valuable opinions about professional staff service. At the same time he gave recommendations for shortcomings, identified the problem and concluded his speech with the following words: "The Ministry of Interior and the police defended and will defend the statesmanship of Azerbaijan. I say it again, as a President, as a Commander in Chief, I trust in you, I believe in you and rely on you."