Police in a Changing Word - MRU

Police in a Changing Word

The international conference “Police in a Changing World” brought together representatives of the Lithuanian Parliament, the Police Department, police veterans, the academic community of Mykolas Romeris University, and young people to discuss the future of policing amid geopolitical instability, war in Europe, and rapid societal change.

The conference focused on key themes such as police competencies, internationalisation, ethical leadership, and youth trust in law enforcement. Discussions highlighted the evolving role of the police not only as a guarantor of public order, but also as a cornerstone of public trust, democratic resilience, and societal stability.

A unique feature of the event was the intergenerational dialogue, bringing together police leaders and veterans who served during the restoration of Lithuania’s independence alongside current officers and students. This exchange enabled reflection on enduring values in policing and the competencies required to operate effectively in complex, information-rich and hybrid security environments.

Special attention was given to police education and training as a strategic element of state resilience. Speakers emphasised the need for officers capable of ethical decision-making, human-rights-based practice, technological literacy, and constructive engagement with communities. Youth perspectives highlighted both challenges and expectations for a modern, open, and dialogue-oriented police institution.

The conference underlined Mykolas Romeris University’s strategic role as a national centre for police education and research, continuing the mission of the former Lithuanian Police Academy and contributing to evidence-based policy through international cooperation, research, and professional training.

Overall, the conference reaffirmed that the future of policing depends on public trust, strong values, professional competence, and collaboration between institutions, academia, and society.

For more information, please visit the conference page in Lithuanian: „Policija kintančiame pasaulyje“