ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we wish to reflect upon the past, present, and future of the Hungarian auxiliary police force. This extraordinary organization has played a vital role in the personal protection of Hungarian civilians for more than 20 years now. Therefore, this chapter aims to shed light on the history, establishment, structure, and functioning of the Nationwide Civil Self-Defense Organizations (Országos Polgárőr Szövetség, OPSZ). Furthermore, it is important to highlight the broad cooperation between the different Hungarian law enforcement agencies as well as the multidisciplinary international collaboration with other crime prevention associations. In doing so, we discuss the relevant legal provisions of the field, which, in turn, allow me to draw a comparison between the Hungarian auxiliary police and other foreign auxiliary forces. Following this overview, it will become clear how the social demand for a national auxiliary organization has allowed the Hungarian auxiliary police to branch out and prove themselves.
