Debrecen4U June 19, 2026

Increased Police Presence and New CCTV Cameras Planned for Petőfi Square

The number of recorded crimes in Hajdú-Bihar County has fallen significantly over recent years. While more than 30,000 offences were registered in 2010, only 6,020 crimes were recorded in the county last year. Data from the first five months of this year indicate a further reduction of approximately 7 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Although the investigative success rate of the Hajdú-Bihar County Police Headquarters is among the highest in Hungary, maintaining public trust remains a key priority, highlighted County Police Chief Zoltán Illés stated on Médiacentrum Debrecen’s HírPont. He stressed that the police must maintain a strong presence in areas perceived by residents as problematic. To achieve this, continuous 24-hour police patrols are provided around the Main Railway Station and at Petőfi Square.

“I want residents to feel that there is always a police officer present. In the coming weeks and months, the public will begin to see the results of a new approach. Discussions are ongoing regarding the installation of additional CCTV cameras both inside and outside the station building. The municipality has always been a supportive partner in this regard, and we are once again working together to find the best solutions,” said Zoltán Illés, Head of the Hajdú-Bihar County Police Headquarters.

The Chief Constable also noted that, although the county police force remains one of the best staffed in the country, filling vacant positions continues to be a priority. He emphasised that the government’s decision to allow former police officers to return to service presents an important opportunity. “We are currently receiving a great deal of interest. Former colleagues with whom we previously worked have contacted us after leaving the profession due to various life circumstances or financial considerations. I would like to take this opportunity to say that we welcome back all former colleagues with whom we were pleased to work in the past,” said Zoltán Illés.

To ensure an adequate police presence across every settlement in the county, certain personnel reallocations may also be required, and assessments of these possibilities are currently underway.

Source and photo credit: dehir.hu