Recruitment in the turkish police

This article critically examines selection methods in the Turkish Police recruitment processes, and the nature of the formal and informal arrangements therein. Semi-structured interviews and secondary data techniques were used to collect the data analyzed. It was found that while the formal selection methods involve rigorous intelligence, medical, physical and background tests, there are a number of important "invisible" variables that shape the selection process. Although all Turkish citizens who meet the specified formal requirements officially have equal rights for recruitment to the police, discrimination on the basis of gender and political affiliation was found to be present, particularly relating to the police high schools and police academy.