The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has requested the inclusion of an institutional psychologist in its structure for 2027, arguing that investigators of the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) face psychological pressure, threats and a heavy workload.
The request was submitted during SPAK’s reporting to the Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, where the institution’s 2027 draft budget was discussed.
Armand Shini, Director of Budget and Financial Management at SPAK, explained that the psychologist will provide support to BKH staff, but will also have a role in the investigative process, assisting investigators during interviews with endangered witnesses and justice collaborators.
“The institutional psychologist is an additional request, justified by the support it will provide to BKH staff, as employees of this structure face psychological pressure, threats and a heavy workload, which characterize the nature of investigative work.
The psychologist will also assist during interviews that investigators conduct with endangered witnesses and justice collaborators, contributing to the investigative process as well,” Shini stated.
During the reporting, Shini also presented requests for expanding the structure and planned investments for the coming year. For 2027, the institution has requested 25 new job positions, eight of them in the Special Prosecution Office and 17 in BKH.
Currently, the organic structure provides for 339 job positions, while the effective number of employees is 220. In total, there are 119 vacant positions, most of them in BKH.
Regarding investments, SPAK has planned 15 million lekë for office equipment, including safes, document shredders and furniture; 30 million lekë for the purchase of eight vehicles; and 174 million lekë for electronic equipment and technological infrastructure.