09.04.2026 10:32
With the new regulation from the Ministry of Interior, the conditions for hiring guards have been tightened; military service has become mandatory, and a requirement to reside in the province where the application is made for the last year has been introduced. Additionally, those who are members of political parties will not be able to apply, while the age, education, and criminal record criteria will be maintained.
The Ministry of Interior has made significant changes to the recruitment conditions for neighborhood watchmen. The new regulation has been published in the Official Gazette and has come into effect.
MILITARY SERVICE REQUIREMENT HAS BECOME MANDATORY
With the new regulation, the most notable change for watchman candidates is the military service requirement. Accordingly, male candidates will be required to have completed their military service.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED
Now, a residency requirement will also be sought in the recruitment of watchmen. Candidates must have resided continuously within the provincial borders where they apply for the last year. This regulation will prevent candidates who have changed cities or moved to other provinces for job searching from applying.
AGE RANGE HAS BEEN UPDATED
With the new regulation, the age range for candidates has been set between 18 and 31. The requirements of being at least a high school graduate and a citizen of the Republic of Turkey continue to be maintained.
THOSE WITH POLITICAL MEMBERSHIP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO APPLY
Another noteworthy provision in the regulation concerns political affiliations. Applications from candidates who are members of any political party at the time of application will not be accepted.
CRIMINAL RECORD REQUIREMENTS CONTINUE
The criteria for candidates' criminal records and security archive investigations will continue to be strictly enforced. Accordingly, candidates must not have been convicted of serious crimes or certain offenses, must not be deprived of public rights, and must not have any conditions that would prevent them from performing armed duties.