The shooting range of the "Stefan cel Mare" Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where current and in-service police officers are trained, will be modernized and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The renovations will be carried out as part of a project implemented by UNDP, with the financial support of the Government of the United States of America, through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The two-years project, “Reinforcing Skills-Based Training of Law Enforcement Professionals in Moldova”, has a budget of approximately US$2.6 million.

Throughout the period of operation, since its construction in 1983, this infrastructure has not been renovated, only its functional capacity of the range being maintained. The current conditions no longer meet modern training requirements. After the refurbishment, the police officers will benefit from an improved training environment where they are able to hone firearms handling, including simulating situations they may encounter in their work - from cases of violence to large-scale operations to apprehend armed criminals.

A 25-metre-long shooting range and a virtual shooting range will be set up after remodeling the space. The project will ensure the rehabilitation of premises, the replacement of engineering networks, the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system in accordance with health and environmental standards. Once renovated and equipped, the range will be able to host both national and international shooting competitions.

All of this will help trainees learn to handle firearms, improve their job performance under stressful conditions and prepare for situations they may encounter in the line of duty.

"A modern law enforcement system, to include training and infrastructure, is essential for upholding the rule of law. The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce this $2,665,000 investment, which reinforces our commitment to aiding Moldovan law enforcement’s capability to swiftly adapt to evolving challenges. The improvements to the shooting range will ensure officers have access to state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance their firearm skills. We remain dedicated to supporting and collaborating with the Government of Moldova to implement reforms that benefit all citizens. Together, we strive to build a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future for all Moldovans," said Laura Hruby, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Moldova.

“This project marks a significant step in strengthening the professional skills of the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. With the valuable support of the U.S. Government and UNDP, we will equip the staff of the ministry with the knowledge and tools to face current and future challenges, while ensuring respect for human rights and international standards. Investing in the professional training of our police officers is an investment in the safety of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova," said Adrian Efros, Minister of Internal Affairs. 

“With this new project, we advance the partnership with the U.S. Government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova in empowering police officers to become more professional and able to ensure community security and instill the feeling of safety, winning people’s trust,” noted Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova

The project will contribute to enhancing the training capacities of shooting instructors and help adjust the shooting training programme for future police employees.

In addition to the shooting range modernization project, UNDP and the U.S. Government are also supporting a joint project to transform the "Stefan cel Mare" Academy into a modern police training centre. The forensic laboratory at the academy will be renovated and equipped with the latest equipment applied in criminal investigation procedures. The multi-purpose room where training in defensive tactics takes place for future and in-service police officers has also been renovated and equipped.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Moldovan Police have a long-standing cooperation with the U.S. Government and UNDP. Over the years, several activities have been carried out to strengthen the institutional and professional capacities of Police employees, to ensure a safe environment for every man and woman in the Republic of Moldova and to increase the level of public confidence in the police.