As part of its ongoing commitment to preventing radicalization and violent extremism, the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism (CVE Center), in cooperation with the team of the “Strengthening Community Policing in Albania” (SCPA) programme, funded by the Swedish Government, and in coordination with the Albanian State Police, conducted three awareness sessions with General Patrol Officers of the Elbasan Local Police Directorate.

The sessions focused on “Raising Awareness on Countering Violent Extremism and Recognizing the Early Signs of Radicalization”, addressing the early signs of radicalization, the factors and underlying causes that may lead to radicalization, as well as online radicalization.

The sessions aim to contribute to strengthening the capacities of State Police officers to identify and prevent radicalization and violent extremism at an early stage by enhancing the knowledge and professional skills of community policing structures. The sessions also support the implementation of the Albanian State Police Education and Training Programme for 2026.

The training sessions were delivered to three separate groups on 30 September, 9 October and 14 October 2026 by CVE Center specialists Ms. Marjola Çela, Mr. Indri Taçe and Mr. Elion Shehu, who presented key concepts and elements that support police officers in recognizing early signs and identifying cases of radicalization and violent extremism at an early stage.