Albanian Police Chief Skënder Hita Announces Security Boost and Deepening International Partnership

Police Director General Skënder Hita held a briefing with regional police heads, urging maximum engagement of all units to prevent crime, improve road safety and increase police visibility during the peak tourist season. He called for swift response to narcotics cultivation, illegal weapons, illegal gambling, environmental crimes and arson, stressing professional conduct and the need for officers to lead investigations to completion.

In a separate meeting, Hita welcomed representatives of the International Criminal Police Assistance Programme (ICITAP) – Alexzandria Burns and Richard Deasy – to review a more than 30‑year strategic partnership. He highlighted ICITAP’s role in modernising the Albanian State Police through technical assistance, training, technology upgrades and capacity‑building, and reaffirmed the intent to deepen cooperation with the U.S. Justice Department and other law‑enforcement partners.

Both meetings underscored the police’s priority of safeguarding citizens and visitors, strengthening institutional integrity and expanding international collaboration to combat organised crime.