The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has opened recruitment processes for new members in two elite units: the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) and the Unit for Protection of Certain Individuals and Objects (JZO). This marks a significant shift in policy, as these specialized units have traditionally recruited only experienced police officers who had already undergone training within the MUP system. For the first time, civilians will now also be eligible to apply for positions in these units, according to reports from local media outlets such as N1 Srbija and Danas. The move comes amid concerns about staffing shortages and the need to prepare for upcoming international events, including the EXPO 2027.
The SAJ is seeking 22 candidates, while the JZO is looking to recruit 100 individuals. These numbers represent a notable increase compared to previous years, especially for the JZO, which has historically maintained smaller staff sizes. The decision to open recruitment to civilians has sparked debate among experts and former police officials, some of whom argue that this change could compromise the quality of work performed by these units. According to the Danas newspaper, the practice of recruiting directly from the civilian population is considered unusual given the nature of these special units, which typically require prior experience in law enforcement.
Milan Marić, a senior official in the JZO, stated that the recruitment drive was primarily motivated by the anticipated challenges associated with hosting the EXPO 2027, where a large number of foreign visitors are expected. He emphasized that the unit would need additional personnel to ensure security during the event. However, critics like Goran Stupar, a former police inspector and lawyer, expressed concerns that this approach might lead to negative consequences. He argued that the fundamental experience required for working in the MUP is gained through regular police duties, where officers develop skills in dealing with citizens and criminal environments. Skipping this foundational phase, he warned, could affect the effectiveness of the units' operations.
Slavica Radovanović, a retired police colonel and member of parliament, criticized the move as a desperate attempt to fill ranks due to high turnover rates among police officers. She pointed out that many officers leave the service either due to retirement or political pressure, leading to a situation where the police force is increasingly seen as a loyalist army serving the interests of the ruling party. Radovanović suggested that the government's efforts to recruit civilians into these elite units are more about maintaining control than addressing genuine operational needs.
The selection process for both the SAJ and JZO involves rigorous physical and psychological tests, along with a three-month training program that includes elimination rounds. Candidates must be Serbian citizens under the age of 28, hold a valid driver’s license category B, and meet strict health and safety criteria. They must also pass comprehensive medical examinations and undergo detailed psychological evaluations before being accepted into the training program. Those who successfully complete the training will be required to pursue further education in basic policing and pass professional exams within two years of starting their roles.
The recruitment initiative has been met with mixed reactions. While the MUP sees it as a necessary measure to bolster its capabilities, particularly ahead of major international events, others view it as a politically motivated strategy to maintain loyalty within the police force. Critics argue that the focus should be on improving existing structures rather than hastily integrating untrained civilians into critical roles. As the deadline for applications approaches, the outcome of this recruitment effort remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of Serbia's internal security apparatus.
4 reports
RepublikaParty-alignedCenterFactual 98Objective 8514 days agoThe Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia has announced a competition for the recruitment of 22 new members of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ), one of the most demanding selection processes within the security system. Interested candidates can submit their applications by July 27th. To qualify, applicants must be Serbian citizens residing in the country, have completed high school, be under 28 years old, possess a category B driver's license or be willing to obtain one within two years, and meet strict psychological and physical requirements, including passing a medical examination. The SAJ emphasizes discipline, endurance, and determination as essential traits for its members. Additionally, the MUP has opened a separate competition for 100 candidates to join the Unit for the Protection of Specific Individuals and Objects, with similar deadlines and requirements.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about a recruitment process for security units without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It focuses on procedural details and qualifications rather than political commentary or framing.
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 85): This article provides clear, factual information about the MUP's recruitment process, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and the nature of the selection process. It remains neutral and avoids subjective language, making it highly objective.
N1 SrbijaIndependentCenterFactual 97Objective 7519 days agoThe Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has announced recruitment competitions for positions in the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) and the Unit for Security of Certain Individuals and Objects (JZO). This time, civilians will also be eligible to apply, which was not common practice before. The SAJ is recruiting 22 candidates, while the JZO is recruiting 100 candidates. This marks the first time since its establishment that the JZO is opening such a competition to civilians, while it is the third time for the SAJ. The JZO emphasized that the recruitment is due to upcoming '
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a recruitment process by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, focusing on eligibility criteria and numbers involved. It does not present any overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content is factual and neutral.
Why these scores (Factual 97 · Objective 75): The article accurately describes the requirements and structure of the SAJ recruitment, including the rigorous testing and three-month training. While informative, it uses emotionally charged language such as 'ispada odmah' which slightly reduces objectivity.
N1 SrbijaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 6515 days ago After three months of training, a gun in your hand and a phantom in your face - you can be a specialist: MUP announces competitions for new membersThe Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) in Serbia has announced open competitions for new members in the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) and the Unit for Protection of Certain Individuals and Objects (JZO), with civilians now eligible to apply alongside police officers. The recruitment process requires candidates to have completed high school, hold a valid driver’s license, and be under 28 years old. After just three months of training, recruits would receive firearms and tactical gear, enabling them to perform specialized roles such as jumping from helicopters or engaging in anti-terrorism operations. This marks a shift from previous practices where only experienced MUP personnel were recruited into these elite units. The move comes amid significant turnover within SAJ, with dozens of officers leaving after changes in leadership, including the replacement of Spaso Vulević with Igor Žmirić, who was linked to student protests last August. President Aleksandar Vučić emphasized the need to rejuvenate the unit while retaining experienced members. While JZO has historically only recruited police officers, this year it plans to accept hundreds of new civilian recruits. Officials cited a
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the official rationale for recruiting civilians—such as upcoming international events—and concerns raised by experts about potential political motivations. It includes quotes from multiple perspectives, including the MUP, the president, and security analysts, without overt褒
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 65): Factual accuracy is high as it reports on MUP's recruitment process, including details like the number of candidates, age limits, and training duration. However, the article includes speculative commentary from an advocate suggesting potential risks, which introduces bias. The objectivity score is l
BlicIndependentCenter23 days agoThe Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has announced a public competition for the recruitment of 22 new members into Serbia's elite Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ). Candidates must undergo rigorous medical, physical, and psychological tests followed by three months of selection training with elimination exams. Successful candidates will receive permanent employment as special forces operatives, with ongoing training obligations.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the recruitment process for the SAJ without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on procedural details such as testing requirements and training, without using biased language or emphasizing political implications.
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