General Director of State Police, Skënder Hita, has urged newly certified police officers to uphold the law, serve citizens and reject any attempts by criminal groups to influence or recruit them.

Hita made the remarks during a ceremony marking the certification of 389 trainees who successfully completed the Professional Police Training College at the Security Academy.

Addressing the new officers, Hita said their mission should be guided by three principles: respect for the law, service to citizens and honoring the legacy of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and are recognized as national martyrs.

“The duty of the police is to listen to citizens, follow working procedures and provide the response required by law,” Hita said, warning officers against creating the perception that police are “biased, arrogant or incapable.”

He also issued a direct warning about the risks of cooperation with criminal networks, urging the newly trained officers not to be tempted by offers or proposals to work with organized crime.

“That path may seem short, but its consequences are serious and irreversible,” Hita said.

The certification ceremony marks the entry of the 389 graduates into the ranks of Albania’s State Police, as authorities emphasize professionalism, integrity and public service as key principles for the force.