Ministers Kumbaro and Koçiu Highlight Joint Efforts as 112 New School Security Officers Are Certified

Today, 112 new security officers dedicated to protecting students and the school environment were certified at the Security Academy after successfully completing their training program. The certification ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Education, Mirela Kumbaro; the Minister of the Interior, Albana Koçiu; the State Police General Director, Ilir Proda; and the Security Academy Rector, Ilirjan Mandro.
Mirela Kumbaro, the Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of this program, which is expanding nationwide to ensure the presence of security officers in every region of the country. She noted that the necessary funds for salaries and contract arrangements have been secured, making this profession a stable part of the education system alongside psychologists and social workers.
Minister Kumbaro emphasized the importance of paying close attention to every incident that occurs in school environments and of reporting and documenting any sign related to children’s safety. She said that the success of security officers’ work is measured by their daily vigilance and close cooperation with parents, school leaders, and the State Police in order to prevent dangerous situations.
Regarding the need to increase the number of school security officers, Kumbaro announced that the maximum student-to-officer ratio has been reduced to 350:1. In schools with larger student populations, two officers will be assigned. She noted that, despite the certification of 112 new officers today, additional recruits are still needed.
Minister of the Interior Albana Koçiu emphasized the new measures to increase security around educational institutions and the important role of officers in connecting the community, students, and police. “When parents bring their children to school, they also look to the security officer for assurance that their child is safe. They also look to you to communicate any concerns or needs their child may have and convey them to the school’s support structures,” said Minister Koçiu.
Through the school security package, the police are making a concerted effort to protect the exterior of schools by increasing the number of law enforcement officers present during peak student activity hours. Currently, over 2,000 police officers nationwide are engaged in this mission.
The General Director of the State Police, Ilir Proda, has expressed his full support for the officers as they carry out their duties. He has also praised the ongoing collaboration with the Security Academy since 2019 in developing this professional role.
The School Security Officer Program is an inter-institutional initiative that aims to enhance protection standards in pre-university schools and create safe, healthy environments for children nationwide.