Zeybek says ministry gives no clear commitment on İskeçe Police Academy
Independent İskeçe MP Hüseyin Zeybek has criticized the Ministry of Citizen Protection over its response to a parliamentary question concerning the future of the İskeçe Police Academy, arguing that the ministry has not provided a clear timetable for the admission of new trainees or specific commitments on the academy’s continued full operation.
Zeybek submitted parliamentary question No. 7930 on August 31, following concerns over the fact that the academy will not admit a new intake for a second consecutive academic year. He asked the ministry to clarify when new trainees would return, provide assurances regarding the academy’s continued operation and address reported deficiencies in its facilities and equipment.
MINISTRY CITES CAPACITY LIMITS
According to the ministry’s response, the İskeçe Training Department for Police Constables reopened during the 2024–2025 academic year following renovation work, with capacity for 150 trainees. A total of 150 trainees were admitted that year, while 140 remain enrolled during the 2025–2026 academic year.
The ministry said that no new trainees would be admitted for the 2026–2027 academic year because the facility does not have additional accommodation capacity. The decision, it said, was intended to prevent overcrowding.
The ministry also stated that the relevant services of the Hellenic Police Headquarters are taking steps to address emerging needs related to trainee education and accommodation. It said existing infrastructure and proposals for improvements are being continuously assessed, with repair work and equipment provision undertaken where necessary.
ZEYBEK SEEKS A CLEARER PLAN
Zeybek argues that the response does not answer the central questions raised in his parliamentary intervention.
According to his statement, the ministry did not provide a specific commitment regarding when the academy will return to full capacity, when a new cohort of trainees will be admitted, or how the reported infrastructure and equipment deficiencies will be addressed.
He also argues that the ministry’s references to ongoing improvements and necessary interventions remain general and do not amount to a concrete timetable or development plan.
The issue has also prompted calls from local officials for investment in the academy’s facilities. In July, Xanthi Deputy Regional Governor Vassiliki Pavlakaki wrote to Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chryschochoidis, conveying concerns over the condition of the academy’s buildings and operational infrastructure and calling for restoration, maintenance and modernization works.
ACADEMY HAD ONLY RECENTLY REOPENED
The current debate comes after the İskeçe Police Academy resumed operations in 2024 following a lengthy suspension. The first intake after its reopening consisted of 150 trainees, with 140 continuing their studies during the 2025–2026 academic year.
The ministry’s response does not announce a date for the admission of a new cohort after the 2026–2027 academic year. It instead refers to annual planning for the Police Constables’ School and the assessment of operational needs, including the number of trainees and the costs associated with running the individual training departments.
Zeybek has described the absence of specific commitments as a negative development and said he would oppose any move by the government that, in his view, could lead to the downgrading or closure of the İskeçe academy.
The ministry, however, has not announced that the academy will close. Its stated position is that the decision not to admit a new cohort in 2026–2027 is linked to the facility’s accommodation capacity, while improvements to infrastructure and the needs of trainees remain under assessment.
