The future of policing in Turkey: current and proposed organizational changes in public policing

Abstract

Turkish police organizational structures have changed dramatically since their inception and it is likely that further organizational changes and restructuring in police services will take place in the near future. Currently there is a trend slowly towards decentralization from the existing highly centralized system, and there are some proposals for future changes. This paper first of all explores different forms of police organizations responsible for public policing, then it considers the current slow trend towards decentralization and proposals for future changes in central and provincial police units. The paper argues that although there is evidence of decentralization, it is likely to take long time realize a decentralized policing system in Turkey.

An Assessment of Democratic Policing in Turkey

“…The police in Turkey work to protect state interests and preserve the autonomy of the regime (Aydin, 1996). They have an intrinsic contradiction toward democracy.…”

“…In Turkey, directly or upon receiving complaints, legislators, governors, public prosecutors and other authorised judicial and administrative officials have the ability to initiate investigations or disciplinary processes (Cerrah, 2008). Police accountability in Turkey is not a well-researched issue (Aydin, 1996). Principally, the police are accountable to the interior minister in all police activities.…”

“…Organisational and occupational problems can also be considered as barriers to the transformation and development of democratic policing in the TNP. Aydin (1996) observes that frequent changes in police regulations raise dilemmas of how to enforce them. Unstandardised police regulations, low pay, poor working conditions, frequent deployments and rotations, and socio-economic and political matters are among the common problems that will influence the development of democratic policing in the TNP.…”