Михайло Філюк: «Я свідомо обрав службу в громаді, бо найвищою оцінкою для мене є довіра людей»

In May 2023, one of the police stations was opened in Ternopil, and the captain, who had previously worked as a precinct officer, began to perform the duties of a community police officer. He says that people turn to him not only for work issues, but also for advice, support, and in difficult life situations - because they trust him and know that he is always ready to help. Mykhailo joined the Ternopil District Police Department immediately after graduating from the Lviv State University of Internal Affairs. He chose a difficult direction - the preventive activities unit - he became a precinct police officer. He admits that at first it was not easy, because the scope of his duties is difficult for experienced officers to comprehend. But he always wanted to be closer to people and be able to really help them. When the institution of community police officers was actively introduced in the region, he submitted his candidacy without hesitation. “I understood that the work of the precinct officer and the police chief overlap. That’s why I decided that I would continue to serve the community.” Almost seven thousand residents live in the territory served by the police captain, and there are also four educational institutions, three medical institutions, and a stadium. There is always enough work, you don’t have to sit in the office for long. For people, having their own officer is, first of all, about convenience and the ability to get help in a timely manner. This was confirmed by the residents of one of the high-rise buildings into which an enemy suicide bomber flew in last November. Then Mykhailo Filiuk, who was one of the first to arrive at the place of arrival, helped unblock the exit from the entrance, calmed people, and provided first aid. In order to effectively communicate with community residents, a police officer often attends meetings organized by housing and communal services and condominiums. Such cooperation helps to warn people about fraud, warn against theft, carry out other preventive measures, and hear the opinion of the community. In order to solve urgent problems and create a safe environment, the police officer closely cooperates with local government bodies, in particular, with the municipal inspection of the Ternopil city community. According to the head of the department for controlling offenses, Viktor Surkov, they jointly ensure that the community residents comply with the rules of landscaping, trade, and prevention of offenses. The management of the municipal inspection speaks of Mykhailo Filiuk as a professional police officer who conscientiously performs his job. Parents of schools located in the service area are also satisfied with the work of the POG. They say that the young police officer knows how to find an approach to schoolchildren, uses authority, and children listen to him. I am here to protect – for Mykhailo Filiuk this is not just a slogan, it is a professional calling that has become an integral part of his life. COMMENT MYKHAYLO FILIUK – police officer of the Ternopil city community