Tirana’s local police directorate has issued an urgent directive to police stations in Tirana and Kruja, ordering immediate measures to manage student protests and ensure the protection of minors during police procedures.

The document, dated October 22 and signed by Chief Commissioner Edmond Meshini, Deputy Director for Public Security, outlines a series of requirements concerning the treatment of minors, the identification of police officers, the preservation of video footage and restrictions on searches of mobile phones.

According to the directive, all officers on duty must be clearly identifiable, with visible identification numbers, while police vehicles must also be identifiable during operations.

The order calls for urgent measures to manage cases involving minors, including reducing overcrowding in police facilities and transferring individuals to other premises within legally permitted capacity limits.

The directive also specifically addresses the preservation of evidence from October 19, 2026. Police are instructed to coordinate with the Directorate of Technology and Information to secure camera footage and ensure surveillance cameras are installed in all detention and interview areas, including offices. Footage from October 19 must be preserved immediately.

The document further states that officers must not search mobile phones without a court order or demand passwords without a legal basis.

Additional safeguards include ensuring the presence of a parent or legal guardian and a psychologist whenever a minor is involved in police procedures. Officers must also provide minors with an age-appropriate explanation of their rights before questioning and maintain a separate register for minors.

The directive also instructs police structures to familiarise themselves with the legal provisions governing the proportional use of force, including tear gas, and requires all detention registers to contain the necessary information.