For the third time, the Kosovo Police has opened a recruitment process for promotion to the rank of sergeant, aiming to fill an additional 450 positions.
The Kosovo Police has recently announced 450 new vacancies for the rank of sergeant.
This marks the third attempt to fill these positions, following the cancellation of two previous recruitment processes due to irregularities identified during the procedures.
The Supreme Court had also issued recommendations on the matter, annulling the administrative instruction governing the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant.
Mefail Bajqinovci, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Security, said the decision had been welcomed, stressing that filling these positions within the police force was an urgent priority.
“As far as I know, the Police has returned to the previous administrative instruction, under which it had operated. Previously, police officers were not allowed to apply for promotion to the rank of sergeant under the new rules, which I believe also constituted a violation of human rights. For years, officers were prevented from advancing in rank. There are police officers who have been unable to apply for the rank of sergeant for 12 years. I strongly believe that this process will now be completed,” Bajqinovci stated.
The recruitment process has also been welcomed by Refki Morina, a former senior Kosovo Police officer.
“This will help fill vacant positions, and I believe similar promotion procedures should also be carried out for other ranks, including lieutenant, captain, major and colonel. There is a shortage of leadership personnel across all ranks. These officers must not only hold the appropriate rank but also possess the professional and operational skills necessary to lead the Police, patrol units and various operations within their respective departments and units,” said Morina, who is now retired.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Refki Morina also highlighted the importance of the sergeant rank as the first level of management responsible for overseeing police operations and handling cases.
“Instead of having officers in these positions, police officers without necessarily having the required professional expertise in their respective fields had to take on these responsibilities. This resulted in a lack of professionalism. Through a recruitment process based on merit, qualified, experienced and professional sergeants will be appointed. They will lead police stations and patrol units, as well as oversee operational activities, ensuring more effective supervision and deployment of patrol units,” Morina explained.
Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla has also welcomed the launch of the promotion process, describing it as an important opportunity for career advancement for police officers who serve with professionalism and dedication.
