In a grand graduation ceremony held at the Police Academy Gölbaşı campus, 2,366 police officers who successfully completed their education at the Police Vocational Schools, along with 94 foreign students from 15 different countries who graduated from the Police Chief Training Center, celebrated their commencement.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and attended by Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Deputy Ministers, Director General of Security Erol Ayyıldız, Commander of the Gendarmerie General Command Gen. Arif Çetin, graduates, and their families.
In his speech, President Erdoğan remarked, “Since 2002, we have put an end to the mentality that positions security against law and democracy through the reforms we have implemented. We have sought to ensure the security of our state and the peace of our nation by maintaining the delicate balance between security and freedom. Today, we continue to uphold this principle diligently.”
President Erdoğan further stated, “Our working principle is very clear: You will never act leniently towards those who threaten the lives, property, honor, freedoms, and security of citizens. You will ensure that anyone who oversteps the boundary by committing a crime is apprehended and brought to justice to receive the punishment they deserve. While not allowing those who act outside the law to breathe, you will also be compassionate towards our people and avoid overstepping your duties.”
Erdoğan emphasized that the approach of law enforcement towards the public reflects the quality of the bond the state establishes with its citizens. “Therefore, our police must become the nightmare of drug dealers, criminal organizations, gangs, street thugs, and terrorists serving imperialists while being a source of trust and peace for our people. The more you protect our people and make them feel respected, remember, the stronger our state will become. Otherwise, we cannot ensure public order or meet our centennial goals for our country,” he added.
Following President Erdoğan’s speech, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated, “Like every member of our heroic organization, you will show mercy to the innocent and stand firm as mountains against the heartless. You will serve only the noble people and be at their side. You will never deviate from adhering to fundamental rights and freedoms, rights and laws. The values and meaning represented by the Turkish Police have been established with honor and dignity through our history. Our police are the heroic representatives of unconditional love for the homeland, the shining passion of the nation, and the conscious devotion to the state.”
Yerlikaya further remarked, “As the Ministry of Interior family, we fight against terrorism, street thugs, drug dealers, and all crimes and criminals, risking our lives. The life, property, peace, and security of every citizen are entrusted to us. In the peaks of foggy mountains, narrow pathways, and dead-end streets, there are always the breaths and footprints of these heroes. As long as this glorious flag waves, terrorists in the mountains and bandits in the streets will continue to feel our breath on their necks.”
He concluded by wishing success to all personnel starting this sacred duty today and commemorating the martyrs and veterans of the police force with respect and gratitude.
The graduation program concluded with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan awarding diplomas to the top students, followed by a commemorative photo session and the oath-taking ceremony.
The public is respectfully informed.