Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The UN Chiefs of Police Summit, held over two days, brought together ministers, police chiefs, and senior officials to discuss how United Nations policing and national police can better support each other in addressing global security challenges. The summit aims to support nearly 4,500 UN Police personnel deployed in about 80 countries, while shaping the future of UN policing in a complex security environment, according to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, chief of UN Peace Operations.
UN Police (UNPOL) contributes 4,626 officers to seven UN missions, with women comprising 21.7 percent of all personnel. UNPOL also provides technical assistance through the Standing Police Capacity in Italy and works with partners such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.
Recent budget cuts, due to some Member States not fully paying assessed contributions, have resulted in about a 25 percent reduction in spending. This affects nearly all aspects of UN police work, including fewer patrols in high-risk areas, delayed responses to emerging crises, and reduced training for local police.
Despite these financial constraints, UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar stressed that policing remains essential for sustainable peace. Unlike military peacekeepers, UN police engage directly with communities to strengthen national police services, rebuild public trust, and reinforce criminal justice institutions after conflict. Their responsibilities include addressing organized crime, cybercrime, and sexual and gender-based violence.
The impact of UN police efforts is seen in missions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they support civilian protection through integrated patrols and assist national police in crisis response.