Ankara – In response to growing concerns over school safety following recent incidents of violence, the Turkish government announced today that it will implement 24-hour police patrols at schools deemed “at risk.” The move, unveiled by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, aims to provide increased security for students and educators across the country. This announcement comes after the tragic death of Fatma Nur Çelik, a biology teacher who was fatally stabbed by a student in Çekmeköy, Istanbul, a case that has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures in schools.
Minister Tekin stated that the initiative will be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, utilizing patrol vehicles and a consistent police presence at vulnerable schools. The plan as well includes an increase in the number of private security personnel employed at educational institutions. “We are taking every possible measure to ensure the safety of our students and teachers,” Tekin said, adding that President Erdoğan has been briefed on the matter and has requested a full report. The move represents a significant escalation in security protocols within the Turkish education system, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency following recent events.
Increased Security Measures Following Recent Tragedy
The decision to bolster school security follows a period of increased violence and threats within Turkish schools. The death of teacher Fatma Nur Çelik on March 6, 2026, served as a catalyst for immediate action. Tekin expressed his condolences to Çelik’s family and colleagues, acknowledging the need for stronger preventative measures. He asserted that the government has been actively working to reduce violence, both generally and specifically targeting education workers, during the time of the current government. Whereas, details on the specific criteria for identifying “at-risk” schools have not yet been released.
According to reporting from BirGün, Tekin indicated that the government has been working to improve security in education for some time. He stated, “With the cooperation of our Ministry of Interior, we continue education with patrol vehicles and 24-hour police surveillance in our risky schools.”
Government Response and Ongoing Efforts
Minister Tekin emphasized that the government is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students and staff. He highlighted that schools already employing private security personnel will see those numbers increased wherever possible. The Minister also stated that the government has been working to increase penalties for violence against education workers, though specific details of these changes were not provided. HalkTV reported that Tekin claimed the government has made significant efforts to reduce violence in general and against education employees during the current administration.
The initiative is being implemented nationwide, with a particular focus on schools identified as being at higher risk. The criteria for determining risk levels remain unclear, but officials have indicated that factors such as location, previous incidents and socio-economic conditions will be considered. Ekonomim also reported on the announcement, reiterating Tekin’s commitment to ensuring a safe educational environment.
The implementation of 24-hour police patrols represents a significant shift in approach to school security in Turkey. While the long-term effects of this measure remain to be seen, it underscores the government’s commitment to addressing growing concerns about safety within the education system. The Ministry of National Education has not yet released a timeline for the full implementation of the program, but officials have indicated that it will be rolled out as quickly as possible.
Looking ahead, the success of this initiative will depend on effective coordination between the Ministries of National Education and Interior, as well as ongoing assessment of risk levels and allocation of resources. Further details regarding the criteria for identifying “at-risk” schools and the specific protocols for police patrols are expected to be released in the coming days. The public will be watching closely to see how this modern measure impacts the safety and well-being of students and educators across Turkey.
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