The law on the new national police force signed in September by President Petro Poroshenko came into effect on November 7. The police force is meant to replace the old Soviet-style police throughout the year.
The law also envisages a transitional period during which the law enforcement officers will undergo requalification to join the new force.
"Many of them are nearing retirement age but they can’t retire or continue their service because some of them have failed to requalify,” 112 Ukraina television channel reported.
The number of protesters continues to grow, with the organizers saying that around 5,000 plan to turn up. They also said that similar protests would be held throughout next week.