The Special Investigation Service will implement structural changes to strengthen the service

The Special Investigation Service launched the reorganization to increase the efficiency of investigations and further institutional development.

As part of the reorganization, the Special Investigation Department will be created based on the currently functioning Investigation Department to investigate criminal cases regarding ill-treatment, violent crimes committed by law enforcement, and crimes against journalists. It will also ensure the re-investigations of cases follow the legally binding ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

The service will establish the Department of Investigation for the Disclosure of Personal Secrets, which will investigate criminal cases related to pedophilia, sextortion, and private life blackmail.

By creating two independent investigative departments, the Service will be able to allocate investigative resources to all categories of crimes rationally, and each investigator will have the opportunity to work on one type of crime. The reports of international organizations and human rights defenders highlight the recommendations for these regulations.

In addition, structural changes are also related to threats and challenges for children and juveniles, such as cases of online pedophilia, sextortion, and private life blackmail. Accordingly, the new specialized investigation department should ensure timely and effective case investigation, crime prevention, and public awareness raising based on developed unified tactics/approaches.

A Monitoring Unit for Persons Convicted of Pedophilia and Sextortion will also be established within the Department of Investigation for the Disclosure of Personal Secrets following the implementation of the pertinent legislative amendments proposed by the Special Investigation Service and sent to Parliament in September of this year. The new established unit will monitor the behavior of convicted individuals and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent them from committing repeated crimes.

Additionally, the Department will merge the Victims' Rights Protection Unit, whose employees daily inform affected citizens, including applicants, concerning their rights and responsibilities, offer them psychological support, familiarize them with criminal case materials, provide special protection programs, and coordinate the process of familiarizing the Office of the Public Defender of Georgia representatives with case materials.

As part of the reorganization, to strengthen the service and ensure geographical accessibility, the service will launch a fifth regional office in Kvemo Kartli, in Rustavi. The construction of the regional office is due in April 2025.

Since its establishment, the Service has taken some measures to strengthen the institution and expand its territorial accessibility, which positively impacted both referring to the Service and conducting prompt and efficient investigations. The Service will continue to take future steps toward institutional strengthening and expansion.