Interior Minister Çiftçi announces: Radical changes in the Police Department

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that they are preparing comprehensive changes to bring the Police Organization Law in line with modern conditions. In a statement at a press conference held at the Ministry, Çiftçi emphasized that the current law does not meet the scale of the Police Department or its evolving needs.

Minister Çiftçi pointed out that the entire society must take responsibility for the rehabilitation of children driven to crime. Stating that "the issue of children driven to crime is not just a security problem, but our collective responsibility," Çiftçi said that they will treat the safety of children as a priority in their new security approach. Minister Çiftçi also noted that he finds the remarks of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli regarding children driven to crime to be important.

NO IRAN-RELATED ACTIVITY IN BORDER PROVINCES

Çiftçi also made statements regarding the situation in border provinces following regional tensions with Iran. Responding to a question about whether the war in Iran would create a new wave of migration to Turkey, Çiftçi said, "There is no activity in our border provinces." He stated that security measures in border provinces are being strictly monitored, that they are in constant communication with governors, and that they are tracking all developments. Çiftçi emphasized that Iran has restricted border crossings for its own citizens, but there are no restrictions on the passage of Turkish citizens.

MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST MIGRATION WAVE

As a result of Iran not allowing its own citizens to cross into Turkey, the number of Iranians coming to the Turkish side has decreased, while an increase has been observed in the number of Turkish citizens crossing into Iran. Çiftçi said, "There is no definitive information on when this process will end, but we are constantly monitoring developments in the region and have taken the necessary measures." He also stated that entries and exits at border gates are being closely followed and that they are in coordination with the migration administration and other relevant institutions.

Reminding that the Police Organization Law was enacted in 1937, Minister Çiftçi said that this law no longer meets the needs of the day. Stating that "our Police Department has reached a staff of nearly 350 thousand, it has turned into a giant army," Çiftçi expressed that the current law is too restrictive for the growing organizational structure and therefore needs to be renewed. Minister Çiftçi pointed out that they will continue the work initiated in the past and that a regulation will be made to meet the needs of the Police Department.

TRANSITION TO A MAJOR SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

Çiftçi announced that a new security architecture, initiated to ensure coordination of security and emergency situations, is also being implemented. Minister Çiftçi stated that this new model will address social issues such as children driven to crime, and that they will act with a much broader understanding than just security. He also said that they will make every effort to improve the working conditions of police officers and meet the expectations of security personnel who serve selflessly.