Municipal Police (Albania)
| Municipal Police Policia Bashkiake | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Albania |
| Legal jurisdiction | Municipalities of Albania |
| Governing body | Respective municipal governments |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | Varies by municipality (e.g., Tirana) |
| Agency executive |
|
| Facilities | |
| Detention authoritys | No (transfer to State Police) |
| Notables | |
| Person |
|
| Significant Administrative policing |
|
The Municipal Police (Albanian: Policia Bashkiake) are local law enforcement units operating under the authority of municipal governments in Albania. They are unarmed, possess limited powers, and function separately from the Albanian State Police.
Authority and Legal Basis
Their responsibilities and powers are established by Law No. 8224 of 15 May 1997 (“On the organization and functioning of municipal police”) and subsequent amendments. They operate strictly within the boundaries of their municipality and under the supervision of the mayor, with legal oversight by the prefect. [1]
Powers and Duties
Municipal Police have jurisdiction over administrative and misdemeanor offenses. Their duties typically include:
- Enforcing municipal regulations and orders issued by the mayor or municipal council (e.g., street cleanliness, noise control, illegal construction and land use)
- Maintaining public order and safety in public spaces and during local events (markets, ceremonies, public gatherings)
- Protecting municipal property
- Preventing environmental offenses such as illegal dumping
- Coordinating with the State Police to enforce public order and road safety.
They can issue on-the-spot fines for administrative violations, and in cases involving criminal matters, they pass cases to the national police for further action. [2]
Organization and Leadership
Each municipality's police force is headed by a Municipal Police Chief (Kryeinspektor), who reports to the mayor. This chief oversees internal management, allocation of duties, and cooperation with both municipal departments and national police entities. Officers are recruited according to national criteria and must receive formal training qualifications. [3]
Cooperation with State Police
Municipal Police often collaborate with the State Police under formal cooperation agreements, notably in urban centers like Tirana, enhancing municipal safety and community policing efforts. [4]
Equipment
Municipal Police are unarmed. Their fleet commonly includes small patrol vehicles—both conventional and electric.
References
- ^ "Ligj nr. 8224, datë 15.5.1997: Për Policinë Bashkiake" [Law no. 8224, dated 15 May 1997: On the Municipal Police]. Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare (in Albanian). Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Vendim nr. 327, datë 16.5.2007: Për organizimin dhe funksionimin e Policisë Bashkiake" [Decision no. 327, dated 16 May 2007: On the organization and functioning of the Municipal Police]. Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare (in Albanian). Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Ligji Nr. 8224, datë 15.5.1997: "Për organizimin dhe funksionimin e Policisë së Bashkisë dhe të Komunës" – i ndryshuar dhe aktet nënligjore në zbatim të tij" [Law No. 8224, dated 15 May 1997: “On the organization and functioning of the Municipal and Communal Police” – amended and implementing bylaws] (DOCX). Porta Vendore (in Albanian). Retrieved 23 July 2025.
- ^ "Policia e Shtetit dhe Policia Bashkiake nënshkruajnë marrëveshje për forcimin e sigurisë në Tiranë" [State Police and Municipal Police sign agreement to strengthen security in Tirana]. Bashkia e Tiranës (in Albanian). Retrieved 23 July 2025.