"Organized crime has crossed borders, so the partnership between law enforcement agencies must also cross them," this was the message of the Director General of the State Police at the 42nd Conference of the European Alumni Association of the FBI National Academy, which is taking place in Tirana with the participation of over 230 representatives from European countries and the United States.
In his speech, the Police Director focused on cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the face of criminal networks that operate in several countries, use technology, and move money and people across borders.
The full speech of the General Director of the State Police:
"It is a special pleasure and responsibility for me to participate in the 42nd Conference of the European Alumni Association of the FBI National Academy, with the very topical theme of building international partnerships in the fight against organized crime, for a safer environment."
On behalf of the State Police, I welcome to Albania the desire, will and determination to be an active part of the joint effort against criminal phenomena that know no borders.
The fact that Albania is hosting this important international conference, with the participation of over 230 representatives from European countries and the United States, demonstrates the level of cooperation and trust that the Albanian Police has built with partner law enforcement agencies in Europe, the US and beyond, especially in the face of challenges and threats that do not recognize state borders.
To achieve these standards, the State Police has traveled a long and difficult path.
But it has found strength and has known how to rise again. First, it has risen again on the blood and sublime sacrifice of 232 State Police employees, who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their memory is our daily oath to never retreat in the face of crime.
Today, the State Police is a different police force. It is a modern, professional police force with advanced technology. We have invested in the modernization of structures, in the digitalization of services, in technology, in data analysis, in cyber investigation, in operational and anti-terror structures.
The results of our joint operations with the FBI, DEA, EUROPOL, Interpol and other national and international law enforcement agencies, as well as with other Euro-Atlantic partners, are proof of the transformation and professionalism of the Albanian Police.
Dear participants,
Criminal networks operate across borders, use technology, move money and people from one country to another, and adapt quickly to any control mechanism. Therefore, our response must be equally global.
This is why international partnerships are not simply an institutional need, but are the only way forward in the modern fight against organized crime.
Information exchanged in a timely manner, expertise shared, and trust built between agencies can make the difference in preventing a crime, identifying a criminal network, or dismantling a structure operating across borders.
The FBI National Academy has created over the years a community of professionals that transcends boundaries and sees security as a shared responsibility.
And therein lies the importance of the theme of this conference: organized crime has transcended borders, and so must our partnership. We cannot face this threat alone. We must share information, expertise, and responsibility, to build a common response and create a safer environment.
Even though we may have different systems, experiences, and ways of organizing, we have a common challenge and responsibility when it comes to organized crime, because crime does not respect borders, while security must transcend them.
Interaction and the creation of collaborative networks at every level required is the most important message to emerge from this conference.
I assure you that the State Police is determined to cooperate closely and professionally with all national and international law enforcement partners and to contribute to every joint effort that serves the security of citizens and the rule of law.
This is our commitment: more trust, more information sharing, more coordination and faster action in the face of crime.
I thank you for reaffirming your trust in the Albanian Police by bringing this conference to Tirana.
I am convinced that the discussions and experiences shared during this conference, as well as the personal acquaintances between you, will serve to further strengthen our cooperation and make us more solid, faster, and more determined in confronting organized crime and terrorism.
Thank you!