29.03.2026 17:21
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that they are working on a regulation that will expand the duties of the watchmen and allow them to work during the day as well. While the graduation date of 10,000 candidates graduating from the Police Academy has been moved forward, it was also announced that a 12/36 working system will be implemented in the police force. This step aims to improve the working conditions of the police officers.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced new regulations for police and watchmen at a meeting organized by the Turkish Press Federation in Ankara. Çiftçi, who announced that the area of responsibility for watchmen will be expanded, stated that the working system will also change with the 10,000 candidates graduating from the Police Academy.
WATCHMEN WILL BE ABLE TO WORK NOT ONLY AT NIGHT BUT ALSO DURING THE DAY Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi met with members of the press at the "Anatolian Conversations" program organized by the Turkish Press Federation. Responding to questions on the agenda, Çiftçi announced that they are planning an important change regarding the working hours of watchmen.
Çiftçi stated that they aim to change the practice of watchmen only working at night, expressing that assignments will be made in areas where needed under the management of the governorships. He mentioned that neighborhood watchmen could take on duty at different points with decisions to be made in the provinces.
10,000 POLICE WILL GRADUATE EARLY Çiftçi also touched upon the planned regulations for the police organization, announcing that 10,000 candidates will graduate from the Police Academy this term. He stated that the graduation schedule will be moved from September to the beginning of June, emphasizing that this step will increase the number of personnel in the field.
TRANSITION TO 12/36 WORKING SYSTEM IN POLICE Çiftçi conveyed that there will be a change in the working system with the commencement of duty for the new graduates, stating that a 12/36 hour working arrangement will be implemented nationwide. He expressed that this regulation will improve the working conditions of police officers and increase their motivation.
Çiftçi also mentioned that new steps will be taken to ease the working conditions of police officers.
NEW STATEMENT ON APP PLATES Here are the complete statements of Minister Çiftçi:
In response to the question regarding APP plates, "Recently, inspections and the sanctions to be applied have been intensely discussed. While it is stated that this is necessary for security and public order, on the other hand, some doubts have arisen among citizens regarding the scope of the application. How do you evaluate these discussions? What is the government's exact approach to APP plates; what kind of application framework will we see in the future?" he answered as follows:
"Our aim has never been to penalize our citizens or to victimized them. We do not operate with an understanding that sees punishment as a method. The essence is to guide our citizens, to show the right way, and to ensure unity in implementation. The plate issue is not just a matter of form. It is an extremely important issue in terms of public safety, the peace of our country, and our general security strategies. Just as a person has an identity card that identifies them, a plate is the identity of a vehicle, and the letters and numbers on it are the vehicle's number. Just as our identity is regulated only by authorized institutions for our security, plates must also be obtained by authorized institutions in the same way."
"THE PLATE MUST HAVE THE TŞOF SEAL" Pointing out that there are certain security elements in plates just like in our identities, Minister Çiftçi said, "The plate must have the TŞOF seal on it. The international sign of our country, the TR abbreviation, must be on the left side. Again, plates have holograms, security strips, and repeating square boxes containing the crescent-star and TR security signs. From January 1, 2024, QR codes and a 12-digit serial number will also be added to the plates printed. However, I want to emphasize an important point here: The absence of a QR code on a plate does not mean that it is fake. The presence of the seal and other security signs is sufficient for the plate to be compliant with standards and valid.
"THERE IS NO OBLIGATION TO RENEW THESE PLATES" Similarly, if the authorized institution's seal and other security signs are present on the plate, even if the letters and numbers are slightly thicker than the normal standard, these plates are valid. Vehicle owners are not obliged to renew these plates. Our citizens can use their vehicles with these plates. No penal sanctions will be applied during traffic inspections due to these thick-lettered plates. The authorized institution here is the Turkish Federation of Drivers and Automobile Owners. Therefore, maintaining the standard is important. Because the number of vehicles is increasing every year. Since 2019, the total number of motor vehicles in our country has risen from 23 million 200 thousand to 33 million 900 thousand. The number of motorcycles has increased from 3 million 300 thousand to 7 million 200 thousand. Currently, the total number of registered vehicles is 34 million 525 thousand 761. It is extremely difficult to monitor such a large vehicle fleet healthily without a strong technological infrastructure and a standard plate system," he said.
"CANNOT BE DETECTED BY RADARS" Minister Çiftçi emphasized that the security vulnerabilities created by these plates should not be ignored, stating, "Non-standard APP plates cannot be accurately detected by electronic monitoring infrastructures such as radar systems, PTS (plate recognition systems), KGS (city surveillance systems), and EDS (electronic monitoring systems). This creates a serious security gap in the field. Because in every situation where the plate cannot be read correctly, the effectiveness of the inspection weakens; risks arise in terms of traffic safety, public order, and the peace of our citizens. More importantly, there is a possibility that this vulnerability could be exploited by malicious individuals. Such non-standard applications pose serious risks in tracking actions that endanger traffic safety, disrupt public order, or constitute crimes. Our issue is to protect the peace and rights of our citizens. This matter goes far beyond just a plate form; it is directly a matter of security, public order, and law.
Therefore, the issue here is not to create difficulties for our citizens. The issue is to maintain the standard. The issue is to conduct inspections healthily. The issue is to ensure transparency, accuracy, and reliability at every stage of our security system. We approach this issue with this understanding. We will continue to guide our citizens to prevent them from experiencing grievances; but we will also meticulously maintain the necessary standard for the security of our country. Another point I want to draw attention to is this: The implementation regulation that will clarify the implementation of some regulations introduced by law has not yet come into force.
Thus, some of the uncertainties that arise are not due to the purpose of the law, but rather stem from the process of clarifying the framework related to its implementation through regulation.
"WE WILL CARRY OUT THE PROCESS IN THE HEALTHIEST WAY" For this reason, work on the regulation is being carried out meticulously. Until these works are completed, a guidance-based approach will be adopted in the field to prevent any grievances for our citizens. Issues that create uncertainty in practice will be made clearer, more understandable, and more uniform. The matters related to the monitoring and usage areas of the driver's visual devices are also being evaluated separately. Our fundamental approach is very clear; to ensure a balance that is fair, both comforting our citizens and protecting safety on the roads. We will carry out the process in the healthiest way without compromising security and without leaving our citizens in uncertainty," he stated.
IS THE MINISTRY REQUESTING TRAFFIC FINES? Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi responded to a question regarding claims that the Ministry of Treasury and Finance requested traffic fines to generate revenue for the budget with a noteworthy answer. Minister Çiftçi said, "I have been a public servant for 29 years. I have never heard of any request from the Ministry of Finance until today. Such a thing is out of the question. The Republic of Turkey is a state of law, and no one would resort to a situation that would constitute a violation of the law. I would like to point out that the number and amounts of fines applied during the recent Ramadan holiday were lower than those applied during similar holiday periods in recent years," he stated.
"WE HAVE REMOVED 102,476 CONTROVERSIAL SIGNAGE" Regarding the speed limit zone applications, when asked about the statement "The speed limit restriction signs changing over very short distances are perceived as traps by drivers," Minister Çiftçi replied, "We have implemented a protocol with our Ministry of Transport to ensure uniformity in this matter. We have reviewed speed limit signs and all signage that could cause confusion throughout Turkey. A total of 102,476 traffic signs that were the subject of such criticism have been removed. Additionally, 20,805 new signs have been added to eliminate confusion."
"GUARDS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ON WATCH DUTIES" When asked about claims regarding the preparation of a Police Profession Law, Minister Çiftçi said, "I know, as a father of a police officer, how important our police are in maintaining public order and establishing peace and security in our country, and how selflessly they work. We have a study that we plan to clarify next week. According to this study, we foresee a regulation that will allow guards serving throughout our country to be assigned to areas where needed, instead of only working at night under the orders and management of the Governorship. Our neighborhood guards will be able to take on watch duties at points determined by the initiative taken in the provinces," he said.
Minister Çiftçi also mentioned that 10,000 police candidates will graduate from the Police Academy during this period, stating, "We will move the graduation schedule planned for September to the beginning of June. Thus, we will transition to a 12/36 hour working system throughout our country. We will implement regulations that will ease the working conditions of our police and boost their motivation."
"OUR STANCE AGAINST STREET GANGS IS CLEAR" Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated, "Recently, operations against street gangs have intensified. How will you implement an action plan to combat these structures that particularly affect young people and try to gain visibility through social media? What are the latest efforts regarding street gangs?" In response, he said, "We announced to the public through our esteemed press members that we declared 2026 as the year of fighting street gangs. Our youth and children are our future. We cannot afford to lose even a single child. In this regard, our stance against these gang activities that try to lead our children to crime is clear. We call out clearly and openly from here. They should turn back while there is still time because our state is extremely determined in this matter. I have given instructions to our police and gendarmerie organizations. We will be on top of all of them. Our operations will continue to increase. As you know, last week, we captured 358 individuals in a significant operation across Turkey and handed them over to justice," he replied.
"WE WILL BE UNCOMPROMISING AND DECISIVE ON DRUG-RELATED ISSUES" Minister Çiftçi stated that they will reflect the same determination in the field regarding the fight against drugs, saying, "In addition to our police and gendarmerie personnel, our Coast Guard and Intelligence units will increase their effectiveness in the field with tactical operations. Drugs are like a vein that feeds all crimes. Drugs are a multi-layered area of struggle for us. At the core of many issues that disrupt society and our family structure, especially the financing source of terrorism and gangs, lies drugs. The saddest part is that drugs particularly target our youth; they try to dry up their minds, hopes, and ideals. We are determined to cut off that source. We will be uncompromising and decisive on drug-related issues. We will not give them a breather.
Indeed, between January 1 and March 22, 2026, a total of 13 tons of drugs, 37.8 million synthetic drugs, and 13,000 cannabis-skunk plants were seized in the fight against drugs. This picture clearly shows how intense and determined our struggle in the field is. Therefore, we conduct our social policies with an understanding that particularly centers on the family, school, environment, and youth. Preventive education efforts, awareness-raising activities, guidance mechanisms, early warning and early intervention processes in the fight against addiction are extremely important to us. We see every step that will enable our youth to exist more strongly in sports, education, art, and social life as part of this struggle," he said.
PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE LATEST SITUATION AT THE IRAN BORDER When asked about the irregular migration and border crossings from Iran to Turkey due to the war, Minister Çiftçi said, "Every crisis and conflict occurring in our region inevitably concerns many issues, especially migration mobility and border security. Our greatest wish is for such war and conflict environments to come to an end as soon as possible, for the parties to strengthen dialogue channels, and for lasting peace to be established.Turkey has long been a country that advocates this line. Our esteemed President is conducting intense diplomatic traffic to end the conflict, prioritize diplomacy, and prevent the region from experiencing new pains. Our hope is that these efforts yield results as soon as possible.
On the other hand, we do not see the issue of border security as a temporary topic that only comes to the agenda during crisis periods. Border security has always been of strategic importance to us, continuously monitored, and managed in a multi-layered manner. Turkey is one of the strongest and most prepared countries in the world in this area, thanks to its physical security infrastructure, technological capabilities, human resources, and institutional coordination capacity. All units of our state are working in complete coordination on this matter.
Indeed, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, we conducted inspections at our Gürbulak Border Gate in Ağrı and along our border line. We assessed the situation on the ground. As of now, there is no temporary situation along our border line. However, we have taken all our precautions. There is no gap that would require hesitation regarding our border security. We are closely monitoring the issue of crossings from Iran to Turkey. Currently, the Iranian side is not allowing its citizens to exit. In contrast, there has been an increase in the return of Iranians in Turkey to their country compared to previous years. Therefore, from our perspective, the process is being managed in a controlled manner, in coordination with all our relevant institutions. In summary; on one hand, we advocate diplomacy for peace in the region, and on the other hand, we are resolutely implementing all measures regarding Turkey's border security without allowing the slightest weakness," he said.
"MOST OF THE MUNICIPALITIES GRANTED INVESTIGATION PERMITS ARE FROM THE AK PARTY" Responding to allegations that investigations into municipalities were directed at opposition parties, Minister Çiftçi stated, "After the March 31, 2024 elections, our Ministry of Interior's relevant units conducted 3,224 inspections under reports, complaints, and special audits. Investigation permits were granted for 1,298 of these. Of these, 591 are municipalities from the AK Party. Investigation permits were granted for 321 from the CHP, 102 from the MHP, 6 from the İYİ Party, 18 from the DEM, and 260 from other parties. According to this data, the municipalities with the most investigation permits are those from the AK Party, accounting for approximately 46%."
"49 RESEARCH/INITIAL INVESTIGATION APPROVALS HAVE BEEN GRANTED REGARDING THE MANSUR YAVAŞ PERIOD" In response to the question, "What is the status of investigations into the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality?" Minister Çiftçi stated, "Let us express the processes regarding the allegations against Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş. Since 2019, a total of 49 research/initial investigation approvals have been granted regarding various allegations and issues related to the Mansur Yavaş period of the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.
As a result of the research/initial investigations conducted by the inspectors, 22 initial investigation reports have been prepared by our Inspection Board. In these initial investigation reports, decisions have been made to grant 'Investigation Permits' on 6 issues regarding Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavaş. The 31 issues have been grouped into 6 headings. The Council of State has overturned 2 of the 6 investigation permits regarding the Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. Additionally, decisions have been made not to grant 'Investigation Permits' for 25 issues concerning lower-level individuals where it was determined that there was no direct knowledge, signature, or approval from the Mayor. For other municipal officials, decisions have been partially made to grant 'Investigation Permits.'
18 research reports have been prepared for issues where no criminal elements were found. According to general provisions, 12 referral reports have been submitted to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for investigation. For actions to be taken according to financial legislation, 1 referral report has been sent to the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, and 1 compensation report has been sent to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality for the recovery of the public damage incurred. The process related to the 12 research/initial investigations conducted by the inspectors is ongoing. General inspections continue at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and its affiliated organizations as part of routine winter inspections.
"CONTROL MECHANISMS IN TURKEY ARE OPERATING EFFECTIVELY" We are representatives of a political understanding that does not cover up mistakes but confronts them, correcting wrongs with determination. As our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated, "Protecting the trust of the nation is our most fundamental responsibility, and we stand against anyone who makes mistakes, regardless of who they are." This principle is a guiding tenet for us. With this understanding; regardless of who they are or what position they hold, the state's stance is clear against anyone who infringes upon the rights and laws of the nation.
The current situation clearly shows that control mechanisms in Turkey are operating effectively, and the law is being applied with determination. In this process, no political identity and no position provides privileges to individuals. If there is a mistake, necessary actions are taken; if there is a deficiency, it is corrected without delay. Because the essence of our political understanding is to be worthy of the trust of our nation. For this reason, we do not view the ongoing investigation processes as a topic of debate; rather, we consider them a concrete indication of Turkey's democratic maturity, commitment to the rule of law, and institutional strength." he responded.