Türkiye to link school CCTV to police network under new security plan

Türkiye will integrate CCTV cameras in all schools into its nationwide urban security network from the start of the new academic year, allowing police to monitor school premises around the clock as part of a broad effort to strengthen campus safety following a series of attacks.

The move, agreed jointly by the Ministry of National Education and the Interior Ministry, will connect school surveillance systems to the country's Public Security Management System (KGYS), also known as MOBESE, enabling real-time monitoring by law enforcement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to Turkish media, the decision follows several high-profile attacks on schools and teachers in Istanbul, Kahramanmaraş and the southeastern town of Siverek, prompting authorities to tighten security measures nationwide.

The camera integration forms part of a seven-pillar programme known as the School Security Shield (Okul Güvenliği Kalkanı), designed to improve the protection of pupils, teachers and school staff.

The plan includes comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats in and around schools, upgraded physical security measures such as reinforced fencing, access control systems and security posts, as well as early warning systems using digital monitoring and behavioural analysis to detect potential incidents.

The programme also предусматривает expanded psychosocial support for at-risk pupils and children involved in criminal activity, the appointment of dedicated police officers and school coordinators, closer cooperation between school administrations, the Interior Ministry and the Health Ministry, and regular emergency response training for teachers and pupils.

Authorities said each school will receive a tailored security plan based on its specific risk profile.

Armed police officers will continue to be deployed at schools considered particularly vulnerable, while police patrols will regularly monitor the areas surrounding selected educational institutions.

Türkiye's KGYS surveillance system has been in operation since 2007 and is widely used to monitor public spaces across the country.

By Aghakazim Guliyev