A significant internal dispute has erupted within the Cyprus Police, with union representatives vehemently opposing a recent directive regarding officer working hours. This controversy has led to planned parliamentary discussions and public demonstrations against a decision made by Chief of Police Themisthos Arnaoutis. The new policy has evidently caused considerable discontent among the very officers responsible for maintaining public order.
Prior to a crucial session at the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, leaders from both the Cyprus Police Union (PASIDY) and the Equality Police Corps union consulted extensively with various parliamentary parties. Their primary goal was to secure support and present a united front against what they consider a detrimental change to their working conditions. The unions are strongly advocating for the restoration of previous working hour arrangements, asserting that current modifications will negatively affect officer morale, operational effectiveness, and potentially public safety.
The central focus of this escalating disagreement was the scheduled meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, where the contentious issue was formally brought for deliberation. In anticipation of a robust debate and to highlight the seriousness of their concerns, members of the Equality Police Corps union organised a visible protest outside the Parliament building. This public display of dissent served as a potent reminder to lawmakers of the widespread dissatisfaction among frontline officers.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Chief of Police's directive has provoked a considerable backlash, leaving the unions with little option but to pursue a political resolution. While the decision's rationale was purportedly aimed at enhancing operational efficiency or resource management, it has evidently failed to gain acceptance within the broader police force, resulting in the current impasse. The Chief of Police himself was formally invited to the committee meeting, presumably to explain the justifications for his decision and directly address the concerns raised by union representatives.
The involvement of parliamentary parties is now considered a critical factor in navigating this complex situation. Their positions, which are expected to be articulated during committee discussions, could significantly influence the eventual outcome. The unions have been diligent in their lobbying efforts, presenting detailed arguments and evidence to support their claims that the new working hours are unsustainable and counterproductive. The ramifications of this dispute extend beyond mere administrative adjustments, signalling a deep-seated issue of trust and communication between police leadership and its rank-and-file officers. The outcome of the parliamentary committee's deliberations will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the morale and operational capacity of the Cyprus Police force.