President Nawrocki and PM Tusk mark Police Day in Warsaw, call for strong force serving citizens

Ceremony on Piłsudski Square

Central Police Day celebrations began at noon on Warsaw's Piłsudski Square with the awarding of promotions. President Karol Nawrocki, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński attended, marking the 107th anniversary of the Polish State Police, founded on 24 July 1919. Nawrocki stressed that the ceremony showed that "regardless of political differences happening in the Republic, today all state authorities are on this square to wish Polish police officers well." He noted that the flag presented to commanders encapsulated the 107-year tradition born with Poland's regained independence.

President Nawrocki's address

Nawrocki thanked nearly 104,000 officers and 25,000 civilian employees for their professionalism and security. He observed that contemporary times mean "internal security and external security intertwine," and officers face ever more new duties. He recalled the force's origins in the Second Republic and quoted Marshal Józef Piłsudski.

Strength without freedom and justice is only violence or tyranny.

He added Piłsudski's practical corollary that freedom and justice without strength are idle talk and childishness. "That is how it is with Poland. We need strong uniformed formations, a strong police, but one that always knows it serves citizens, freedom and social justice," Nawrocki said. He expressed pride in the new officers and generals, saying, "Today I am proud of you, new officers, gentlemen generals, officers, that like me, you love freedom, independence and sovereignty of Poland and serve it." The promotion of four generals, whose careers began in the mid-1990s, was, he said, the best symbol of that service. The president also noted that among the 245 laws he had signed was one concerning service apartments and financial support for commuting between home and duty station.

Prime Minister Tusk's pledge

Tusk appealed to those in power to protect the police from attacks and hate. He expressed pride in officers' endurance.

I am very proud of you that you bear the burdens of your service, and these new circumstances, with such honour, personal dignity and patience.

He warned that in too many places in the world, and sometimes in Poland, violence gains a political mandate, and praised officers for acting with patience, delicacy, and when necessary firmness, and for not being afraid to use force. Tusk assured full government and personal support, even in controversial decisions, including the use of weapons. "I will always be with you in such a situation. I will always defend your dignity and will always defend you against unjustified accusations," he said.

Historical context

The 1919 law that created the State Police defined it as a state security organisation responsible for protecting safety, peace and public order. By 1939, the force numbered about 30,000 officers. Many died or were captured during World War II. Today's force, with over 100,000 officers, continues that legacy, the president said.