More than 5,000 agents mobilised for Portugal’s first ‘all-digital’ national exams

More than 5,000 police agents and officer have been mobilised to support the first phase of Portugal’s national exams, which begin tomorrow and involve more than 166,000 students across the country.

According to Público, the annual operation is one of the largest logistical undertakings in the education sector, encompassing the distribution, collection and supervision of more than 300,000 exam papers, alongside the coordination of thousands of teachers, schools and security personnel.

This year’s exams introduce a major change that has significantly increased the complexity of the operation: all completed exam papers will be digitised for the first time.

The new system has required substantial adjustments to transport and handling procedures, resulting in a higher number of journeys, particularly to facilities in the Lisbon district where the scanning process will take place.

The PSP police’s National Directorate has accredited 1,172 officers for the operation, which is expected to continue for approximately 35 days.

Much of the deployment will rely on officers assigned to the Safe School Programme, who will help ensure that exams are transported and processed within strict deadlines.

The facilities of the National Printing Office–Mint (INCM) in Mem Martins will play a key role in the digitisation process. PSP officers will be responsible for multiple deliveries and collections of exam papers, ensuring compliance with procedures governing scanning and secure handling.

GNR police are also reinforcing resources for the exam period. During the previous academic year, the force assigned 3,863 military personnel and 2,034 vehicles to the operation. This year, officials expect an even greater logistical effort due to the additional journeys required under the new digitisation model.

Authorities stress that rigorous coordination and adherence to schedules will be essential to guarantee the smooth running of this new-look national examination process.

source: CNN Portugal

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.