The Albanian Security Academy has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining accreditation from the International Association of Directors and Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). This recognition marks a pivotal moment in the academy's history, dating back to its partnership with the U.S. Justice Department’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) in 1997.
At the ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Deputy Interior Minister, Director General Proda, Director General Sulejmani, Rector Mandro, staff, graduates of the Security Academy, and members of the international law enforcement community, this achievement was celebrated as a testament to nearly three decades of reform and professionalization efforts.
The accreditation confirms that Albanian law enforcement now trains to IADLEST's high standards shared by over 30 member countries worldwide. In its inaugural year of assessment, Albania’s Security Academy received the Association’s Award of Excellence—an honor previously bestowed upon only four other international academies.
Under President Trump's administration, emphasis is placed on combating cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The operations of Albanian organized crime groups pose risks through drug trafficking and money laundering activities. The United States seeks partners who can collaborate effectively with U.S. law enforcement to counter these threats.
Rector Mandro and his team were commended for their dedication during the year-long accreditation process, which involved updating more than 400 policies to align with global standards. This effort is expected to have far-reaching impacts across Albanian security institutions such as the State Police and National Bureau of Investigation.
The accreditation serves as a foundation for ongoing commitment to international standards in criminal justice. Albanian law enforcement personnel are encouraged to apply their training towards tackling various forms of crime and upholding security both domestically and internationally.