With the 2026-2027 school year set to begin, Albania’s State Police has announced enhanced security measures around schools, including intensified checks against drugs and other illegal activities, increased road safety patrols and cooperation with the National Food Authority (AKU).

State Police chief Skënder Hita said police station chiefs will have direct responsibility for organizing and monitoring security measures in and around educational institutions.

Specialized police units will conduct intensified checks both inside and outside school security perimeters, focusing on preventing criminal elements from approaching schools and involving students in drug-related or other illegal activities.

Police will also increase road safety measures during school arrival and dismissal times, while community policing, cybercrime, domestic violence and traffic police officers will conduct awareness sessions on bullying, psychological violence, online safety, drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

For the first time as part of the expanded security package, police will work closely with AKU to monitor food businesses operating near schools, including checks on product expiration dates, composition and hygiene conditions.

Hita also said that 20 schools have been equipped with smart cameras under the Smart City project, strengthening authorities’ ability to monitor and respond to potential security threats.

“Technology enables us to identify problems more quickly, respond more effectively and be closer to citizens,” Hita said.