Budapest is launching a month-long public safety operation that will see increased police patrols and coordinated enforcement across the city, despite facing a shortage of more than 2,000 police officers.
The Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) announced the comprehensive operation after assessing public feedback, crime trends and consultations with district municipalities. The initiative comes amid growing concern over public safety, with several district mayors recently calling for urgent action to address crime, anti-social behaviour and deteriorating conditions in parts of the capital.
More officers on the streets
Over the next month, police will carry out enhanced public space patrols and joint inspections across several areas of Budapest. The operation will involve cooperation between:
- district police headquarters,
- the BRFK Public Order Department,
- the Traffic Police,
- the Rapid Response Police,
- the Budapest Municipal Enforcement Directorate,
- volunteer civil guards,
- and other partner organisations.
According to the police, officers will focus on locations most affected by public safety concerns, with the aim of quickly stopping offences, locating wanted individuals, tackling drug-related crime and targeting the most serious traffic violations.
Police acknowledge severe staffing shortage
The BRFK said its new chief took office with a shortage of 2,020 officers, making it increasingly difficult to maintain public safety across the capital.
The Interior Ministry’s State Secretariat for Law Enforcement added that the staffing problem extends nationwide, with 8,992 police positions currently vacant across Hungary. To support the intensified operation, the ministry said additional funding has been allocated to cover overtime for officers participating in the month-long campaign.
Previous operations produced hundreds of arrests
Police pointed to recent enforcement campaigns as evidence that targeted operations can deliver results. In Kelenföld, where reinforced policing has been in place for the past six weeks around the railway station and nearby busy areas, officers have carried out:
- 3,630 police actions
- 97 arrests, including suspects wanted for theft, disorderly conduct and drug-related offences
- 30 people taken into custody
- more than HUF 1.5 million in on-the-spot and administrative fines
Meanwhile, a joint operation around Rákosrendező, involving the 13th and 14th district police forces and municipal enforcement officers, resulted in:
- six wanted individuals being arrested,
- seven people detained for illegal occupation of buildings,
- four suspects placed in administrative detention,
- and the arrest of suspected drug dealers believed to have been selling the synthetic drug known as “crystal” near Tatai Street.
Government and city hall agree problem extends beyond policing
The police announcement follows Thursday’s government briefing, during which Prime Minister Péter Magyar confirmed that a 30-day intensified police operation would begin in Budapest’s inner districts.
Magyar acknowledged that many public safety issues stem from homelessness, addiction and broader social challenges, saying the government would also involve the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family Affairs so that vulnerable people receive professional support alongside law enforcement measures.
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has made similar remarks, arguing that many of the problems residents experience are rooted in social issues rather than policing alone.
Earlier this week, the mayors of Budapest’s 1st, 6th, 8th and 9th districts jointly urged City Hall to take urgent action, warning that residents increasingly feel unsafe as social, mental health and public order problems become more visible.
Long-term presence, not a one-off operation
The BRFK said the objective is not simply to conduct a short-term crackdown but to establish a predictable and coordinated police presence that can improve both public safety and residents’ sense of security over the longer term.
Police added that the effectiveness of the measures will be continuously evaluated, with further actions to be decided in consultation with district municipalities and partner organisations.
Read more on the topic:
1. Public safety crisis? Budapest leaders call for immediate intervention from government
2. Mayor Karácsony reacts to public safety concerns: Budapest to step up police presence
