In the provinces, it operates under the command of governors and district governors. Civil administrators are responsible for the security and well being of towns and districts. The Turkish National Police operates within the network of the civil administration system and carries out its duties under the command and control of the civil authority. Town governors and heads of district administrations supervise the force. The TNP is organised as follows:
*751 Police Directorates of Towns affiliated to Provinces
*22 Border Gates Police Directorates
*18 Free-Zone police stations
*834 police stations in 81 Provinces
Function and mission
In general, the police's realm of responsibility is geographically located inside the municipal boundaries in Turkey. In accordance with the “Law on Duties and Powers of the Police”, the duties of the Police are to:
detect, arrest and transfer both offenders and case evidence to the appropriate judicial bodies
perform duties apart from the administrative such as judicial assigned by laws, regulations and government acts
prevent crime in order to protect public safety and order
The TNP also has political duties such as the protection of the integrity of the state and the preservation of constitutional order. Furthermore, the TNP has administrative functions, including preventive, protective and assistance duties. A Traffic Services Department, a Highways Traffic Security Council and a Supreme Board for Highway Security have been established in order to deal with traffic problems more effectively. The TNP hosts the Istanbul Conference on Democracy and Global Security.
Units
All Turkish police officers wear navy-blue uniforms and caps. Patrol cars can be identified by their unique blue-white design and the writing “Polis”on the side doors and hood. Superintendents and inspectors wear silver stars rank on their shoulders. Highest-ranking officers wear gold stars. Some well-known police units in Turkey are:
Martılar bike patrol units
Yunuslar motorcycle units
Şahinler motorcycle units of the traffic department.
Özel Harekat which is the special response unit of the directorate.
Karşı Atak Timi close protection service for Prime minister and president.
Training
The TNP receives two categories of training, the first being in-service training provided by the Department of Education operating directly under the General Directorate of Security; whereas pre-profession training is provided by the Police Academy. The Police Academy offers five different training programs:
Undergraduate Education ;
Bachelor's Degree Education ;
Postgraduate Training ;
Training at State Higher Educational Institutions in Ankara;
Management Training, in Ankara and Bursa, also operate directly under the General Directorate of Security. There are other educational institutions that give expert in-service training, such as the Turkish International Academy Against Drugs and Organized Crime and the Crime Investigation and Research Education Center.
