Instead of holding Šaranović and Šćepanović accountable, the blame is now being shifted to the Search Unit of the Podgorica Security Department?!
After Minister of Justice Bojan Božović stated that there was no need for anyone from the top of the security sector to resign following the scandalous escape of Miloš Medenica, Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Police Directorate Director Lazar Šćepanović breathed a sigh of relief. According to Television E sources, the focus has now shifted to the head of the Podgorica Search Unit, although security expert Ekan Jasavić emphasizes that responsibility for Medenica’s escape lies with the top figures in the hierarchy, not only with the search unit
„By the mere act of anyone submitting a resignation - we would gain nothing“. This is how Minister of Justice Bojan Božović, in high spirits, removed all doubts - none of the leaders of the security sector bears responsibility for the escape of Miloš Medenica.
RESPONSIBILITY IS „SOMEWHERE ELSE“
After Monday’s meeting in the office of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, dedicated to discussing Medenica’s scandalous escape, two men breathed easier: Minister Danilo Šaranović and Police Directorate Director Lazar Šćepanović - secure in their positions.
Apparently aiming to preserve peace within the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Spajić and the Europe Now Movemennt team gave up on demanding the resignations of security sector leaders, although they had loudly announced such a move the day after Medenica’s escape.
However, this does not mean that no one will pay the price. According to information from Television E, fingers are now being pointed at the search service of the Podgorica Security Department, which was responsible for monitoring and locating fugitives, and in this specific case, for physically checking and visiting Medenica’s apartment address.
Officially, this unit is called the Criminal Police Station for Search Operations and Warrants. It is responsible for searching for missing persons, fugitives, and executing warrants within the territory of the Capital City. The head of this station (unit) is Željko Fatić, and sources from our media outlet indicate that his resignation might be sought in order to calm the public.
SURVEILLANCE WITHOUT A PLAN OR PROGRAM
Ekan Jasavić, a retired police official, told our media outlet that the Police Directorate was obliged, in accordance with risk assessments, to prepare a plan and control program scheme for Miloš Medenica.
Operational and field activities are carried out in accordance with that plan.
- The responsibility lies with the Police Directorate system, and hierarchically with its leadership - that responsibility must run from the top downward. Everyone was obliged and responsible to create a plan and program, and then to monitor the implementation of that plan and program. And to act according to that system of accountability - Jasavić told ETV.
Those familiar with police operations point out that even if individual responsibility of inspectors from the Podgorica search service were established, the fact remains that physical and occasional visits to the apartment address could not have prevented Medenica’s escape.
RESPONSIBILITY - WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN?
An analytical approach by the police leadership was lacking, and essential actions were not undertaken to prevent the escape of the convicted head of a criminal organization. An ETV source from the Police Directorate lists in detail what the police failed to do in accordance with standards:
- no precise security risk assessment was conducted regarding the danger of violating measures and escaping while awaiting a lengthy prison sentence, nor was operational intelligence gathered from the field;
- no covert surveillance measures were implemented against Medenica or individuals from his circle who were known or assessed as potentially providing logistical support for the escape...
According to police standards, in cases of increased risk of escape, the Police Directorate should organize 24-hour physical security of the facility in order to secure the individual and prevent a potential escape.
None of this was done by the Police Directorate in the case of Miloš Medenica. That is precisely why Ekan Jasavić believes that responsibility should not fall on a single individual.
- In this case, everyone in the hierarchy is responsible, not only the Search Unit operating within the Police Directorate and the security departments. Everyone must bear responsibility - Jasavić stated firmly.
For now, it is certain that neither Interior Minister Šaranović nor Police Directorate Director Šćepanović feel any responsibility.
From people who did not even consider resigning as a moral act in the case of last January’s mass murder, it is hard to expect that they would even think about stepping down following the escape of Miloš Medenica.