Kazakhstan lacks more than 20 thousand police officers — Ministry of Internal Affairs

Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan is facing a shortage of more than 20,000 local administrative police officers. The patrol service alone needs an increase of at least 10,000 personnel, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepyokha announced during a government briefing.
According to Lepyokha, the Ministry of Internal Affairs lacks patrol officers, community police officers, and juvenile department inspectors.

"The patrol police alone needs to be increased by at least 10,000 people. These officers maintain public order, ensure road safety, and patrol rural highways. It is possible that this staff shortage is the root cause of certain deficiencies," Lepyokha stated.

The Deputy Minister noted that the demand for personnel is growing due to the development of new residential areas, settlements, schools, and local police stations.
Patrol units, community officers, and juvenile inspectors are funded through local budgets. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is currently discussing a phased increase in staffing levels with regional administrations (akimats).

"With the approval of the Presidential Administration and the support of the government, we expect to begin a gradual staff increase starting next year," Igor Lepyokha added.

He specified that the total shortage across the local administrative police exceeds 20,000 personnel.