New limits for school security officers

New standards define the limits of intervention in schools: security officers cannot impose punishments, conduct investigations or use physical force

Security officers in Albanian schools cannot punish students, conduct investigations, use physical force or exercise the powers of the State Police.

These are some of the limits set out in the new document, “Professional Standards for School Security Officers,” drafted by the Agency for Quality Assurance of Pre-University Education (ASCAP).

The document aims to unify the way security officers operate in educational institutions and clearly define their responsibilities and powers.

One of the most important provisions concerns the officer’s interaction with students.

According to the standards, the officer does not take disciplinary measures, impose sanctions or punishments, or conduct investigative procedures.

They may not use physical force or restraints and do not exercise the powers of the State Police.

Physical checks of students are also subject to restrictions. The document stipulates that officers do not conduct physical searches of students, except in cases provided for under institutional decisions and procedures. Likewise, they may not search school premises without following the relevant procedures.

Their role is defined as preventive rather than punitive. Officers do not replace teachers, psychologists, social workers or school guards, and they cannot provide psychological therapy or make educational decisions.

Bullying, drugs and conflicts

Meanwhile, the new standards give officers a direct role in the early identification of risks.

They must identify situations involving bullying, cyberbullying and other forms of violence, intervene to prevent conflicts from escalating, and cooperate with school administrators, teachers, parents and other institutions.

The document notes that in recent years schools have faced violence among students, bullying and cyberbullying, the use of narcotic substances, unauthorized persons entering school premises, conflicts and emergency situations.

In more serious cases, the officer must document and refer the issue to the competent authorities rather than investigate it themselves.

The standards require the documentation and follow-up of cases involving violence, bullying, neglect, substance use and other social or emotional problems, while maintaining the student’s confidentiality.

Cameras also subject to rules

A separate chapter of the standards focuses on technology and information.

Officers may use CCTV systems and visual monitoring equipment, but only in accordance with institutional procedures and within legal and ethical limits.

Access to surveillance footage and monitoring data must be restricted to authorized personnel only.

Overall, ASCAP has established 11 professional standards, covering areas ranging from physical security and technology to emergencies, violence prevention, ethics, communication with students and the referral of cases.

The philosophy underlying the document is that the officer should not become a “police officer inside the school.”

The standards define the officer as a supportive and preventive figure, while policing, disciplinary, educational and psychological responsibilities remain with the relevant structures.

“KORÇA BOOM”