The Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Donika Gërvalla, on Friday participated in the graduation ceremony of 100 new Kosovo Correctional Service officers, who successfully completed the 23-week professional training at the Kosovo Public Safety Academy.

Addressing the new officials, Minister Gërvalla said that the completion of the training marks the beginning of a task with special responsibility, in an area where the state has a great responsibility for guaranteeing security, enforcing the law and respecting human dignity.

She emphasized that the work of a correctional officer requires not only discipline and determination, but also prudence, self-restraint and sound judgment.

“You will face difficult situations. You will have to make decisions under pressure and exercise authority under circumstances in which the line between determination and excess must always be clear,” said Minister Gërvalla.

Speaking about the role of the Kosovo Correctional Service in the system of justice, Minister Gërvalla said that justice does not end with the pronouncement of a court decision, but is also demonstrated in the way that decision is implemented.

“The rule of law must be fair everywhere: in court, in the administration, but also behind the closed doors of a correctional institution,” she said, adding that a person serving a sentence has lost their freedom for a certain period of time, but has not lost their dignity and the rights guaranteed by law.

Minister Gërvalla emphasized that the duty of correctional officers is not only to maintain order and security, but also to create conditions for security, legality and humane treatment to coexist in correctional institutions.

She assessed the importance of the rehabilitation and return to society of persons who have completed their sentences, emphasizing that correctional officers have an irreplaceable role in this process as well.

“Most of this work will take place away from the public eye. But the work that is not seen is no less important. On the contrary, integrity is most demonstrated when no one is watching you and when you have to make the right decision because you know it is right”, said Minister Gërvalla.

Minister Gërvalla praised the steps taken by the Kosovo Correctional Service in building capacities and developing professional standards, emphasizing that the 100 new officers now become part of this institution and have the responsibility to move it forward.

“The uniform you will wear is a sign of the authority entrusted to you by the state. Wear it with pride, but never forget that public authority exists to serve the law, not the one who exercises it”, she emphasized.

Finally, Minister Gërvalla thanked the families for their support and congratulated the 100 new officers on the successful completion of the training.

“Be resolute when the duty calls for resolve. Be measured when authority calls for restraint. And always be fair,” Minister Gërvalla concluded.