How Romanian Police Chiefs Are Named: One-Third of Posts Remain Unfilled

The Romanian Police General Inspectorate (IGPR) has provided an update on the staffing of leadership positions within the force, indicating that a significant majority, over 82%, are filled through competitive examinations. This suggests a structured and merit-based approach to appointing leaders within the police hierarchy.

However, the IGPR also acknowledged a persistent challenge: approximately one-third of these leadership positions remain vacant. This deficit is attributed to a lack of suitable candidates or insufficient results in the selection processes. The total number of leadership roles is substantial, with around 3,500 designated for officers and a similar number for agents.

The dynamic nature of this deficit is further highlighted by the fact that over 1,500 police officers holding leadership positions have left the force between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2026. This includes nearly 900 officers and over 600 agents. Additionally, the promotion of some leaders to higher positions through competitive exams also contributes to the turnover and the ongoing need to fill vacancies.