On July 16, Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan visited Tavush Province to review the performance of the Interior Ministry’s police units during the first half of 2026, the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.

The meeting was attended by Police Chief and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kamo Tsutsulyan, as well as representatives of the ministry’s and police leadership.

The head of the Criminal Police Department of Tavush presented the results of the work carried out during the reporting period. In the first half of 2026, the department registered 174 crimes, which is 17.6% higher than during the same period last year.

The number of serious and especially serious crimes decreased, while crimes against individuals and thefts committed using computer technology increased. All crimes involving the use of firearms were solved.

Overall, there was an increase in crimes against public safety, public order, and public health, mainly due to cases identified by patrol officers involving people driving vehicles without a valid driver’s license.

The Ijevan Community Police Department registered 237 crimes, of which 182 were solved, with a clearance rate of 76.8%. No firearm-related crimes were recorded.

The Dilijan Community Police Department reported a decrease in registered crimes during the first half of the year. Of the 149 recorded cases, 117 were solved, with a clearance rate of 78.5%. Crimes against property and economic activity decreased.

A decline in crime levels was also recorded in the service area of the Noyemberyan Community Police Department. A total of 140 crimes were registered, with 99 solved, resulting in a clearance rate of 70.7%. Crimes against property, state authority, public service, and governance procedures decreased.

During the reporting period, the Tavush Community Police Department registered 118 crimes, of which 91 were solved. Compared with previous years, the crime clearance rate continued to improve, increasing by 11% in the first half of 2026. Crimes against property, economic activity, and state authority decreased, while crimes against public health increased.

Officers of the Tavush Patrol Service Battalion solved 59 crimes, an increase compared with the same period last year. They also issued 27,986 administrative violation reports, which is 392 more than the previous year. The number of traffic accidents, as well as fatalities and injuries resulting from them, decreased.

Summarizing the results, Minister Arpine Sargsyan thanked the Tavush units for their work. At the same time, she noted that efficiency still needs to be improved in several areas and that more measurable results must be ensured.

Given that Tavush is one of Armenia’s most heavily forested provinces, the minister issued strict instructions to prevent and uncover illegal logging.

She instructed police units to cooperate more closely with environmental authorities, including the Eco-Patrol Service, and to take all necessary measures to prevent illegal deforestation.

Regarding the fight against illegal arms trafficking, Sargsyan ordered the intensification of operational efforts to identify and seize illegally held weapons and ammunition, as well as awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms.

The minister also addressed crimes involving minors and crimes committed against children, instructing authorities to respond immediately and comprehensively in each case while ensuring coordinated work between relevant police units.

Regarding crimes against sexual freedom and integrity, Sargsyan stressed that every report must receive an immediate and professional response, ensuring a full investigation and proper protection of victims’ rights.

Police were instructed to strengthen operational-investigative efforts to solve theft cases, improve detection rates, and make more effective use of available tools and information resources.

Clear instructions were also issued regarding the prevention and response to domestic and family violence, including stronger early risk assessment, victim protection, and deeper cooperation with relevant agencies.

The Patrol Service was instructed to continue active cooperation with local authorities on improving traffic organization, identifying dangerous road sections, upgrading road signs and markings, and enhancing road safety. The minister emphasized the importance of legal justification and factual accuracy in administrative decisions and their appeals.

It was also ordered that police units regularly conduct intensified operations, particularly in courtyards, rural and border communities, and areas with high tourist activity. These operations should be targeted, preventive, and aimed at ensuring public order and safety.

The minister also highlighted the importance of personnel morale and psychological well-being, instructing unit commanders to pay constant attention to discipline, professional training, working conditions, and responsible service.

Arpine Sargsyan emphasized that in the coming period she expects more targeted, coordinated, and measurable results, especially in crime prevention and detection, ensuring public safety, and improving cooperation with citizens.