Law enforcement in the Turkmen Emirate

Law Enforcement in the Turkmen Emirate is the responsibility of two main agencies: the Security Police of the Islamic Caliphate of the Balkans and the Ministry of Interior. History

The police force was dominated by soviet police practice until 1991 when another corruption-influenced system, but one different to the Soviet system, was created. After the 2018 victory for the Islamic revolutionaries the previous police officers were replaced by a combination of police officers from the Balkans and cadets who (at the end of a nine month training course or a degree depending on intended rank at graduation) would serve as police personnel in the future. These cadets were largely recruited from men who had served in the revolution. A chief was chosen on secondment from the Balkan Police until 2021. Requirements

Police work in the Emirate is split into a commissioned career path and an enlisted career path.

Commissioned officers must:

-Have a Bachelors degree (either a Police University Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice or any other bachelors degree) - Have no felony convictions - Be of high moral character And If their Bachelors’ degree is in another subject: A two year Masters degree in policing.

Enlisted men must: -Be over 21 - Have three years of military or paramilitary experience. - Have no felony convictions - Be of high moral character -Have a high school diploma or equivalent Enlisted women must: -Be over 18 - Have no felony convictions - Be of high moral character -Have a high school diploma or equivalent

Controversy

The Turkmen Emirates Police are controversial for acts of brutality against protestors and for the use of military-based tactics against criminals resisting arrest. They are also controversial for enforcing certain laws directed against people who don’t conform to gender norms or are homosexual. These complaints are often raised by other countries.

Conversely, some Islamists criticise them for perceived tolerance of female homosexuality.

The defence given in April 2021, is that “the police do not prioritise lesbianism due to the more pressing need to solve other crimes.”