Imamoglu shares message for Police Day: Draws attention to suicide incidents

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu did not forget the 180th anniversary of the Police Department and April 10 Police Day from Silivri Prison.

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Imamoglu shares message for Police Day: Draws attention to suicide incidents

Celebrating Police Day with his post, Imamoglu also thanked the police officers.

Here is the post Imamoglu shared regarding the problems faced by police officers and suicide incidents:

"Today, I celebrate the 180th anniversary of our Police Department, which works day and night for the safety of our people, and April 10 Police Day. I thank every one of our police officers who wear the honorable Turkish uniform with great respect and gratitude.

Our police officers protect the streets, squares, and homes of this country at the cost of their lives.

However, I know that behind this honorable duty lies a heavy burden, a grueling work pace, and neglected personal rights. Structural problems that have remained unsolved for years damage not only the police but also the society's sense of security.

"THE FACT THAT 27 OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS ENDED THEIR LIVES IS AN ALARM FOR ALL OF US"

The increase in police suicides, excessive overtime, mobbing, lack of merit, psychological pressure, and economic difficulties can no longer be ignored. The fact that 27 of our police officers have ended their lives in the first four months of this year is an alarm for all of us.

I know both the problems of the Police Department and the solutions. We will solve these problems. Police will work in more humane conditions.

Our concrete solutions are ready in many areas, from overtime pay to supervisor pressure, from housing with daycare centers to psychological support centers. We will introduce the right to unionize for the police. We will provide legal guarantees by enacting the Police Personnel Law. This profession will reach standards worthy of its honor with us.

"WE ARE THE ONES WHO WILL PROTECT THE BALANCE OF JUSTICE, SECURITY, AND FREEDOM"

I know that the images of disproportionate force reflected in the public eye recently do not represent the entire Police Department. These images hurt both the public and the honorable majority of the organization.

I distinguish between the honorable police officer who sweats for the public on the street and performs their duty within the law, and those who engage in lawlessness. We are the ones who will protect the balance of justice, security, and freedom.

I commemorate all our police officers who were martyred on duty with mercy, and I celebrate April 10 Police Day for our security personnel on duty."