**Nicosia, Cyprus** – Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has unveiled an ambitious agenda to overhaul the Cyprus Police Force, a sweeping initiative aimed at bolstering security and professional standards amidst a backdrop of rising crime. The proposed reforms, however, are already encountering significant internal resistance, particularly from police unions, highlighting a complex interplay between the imperative for modernization and the safeguarding of officers' rights and working conditions.
Fitiris articulated his vision with urgency, stating that "the rise in crime and the need for more substantial policing and strengthening society’s sense of security make it imperative" to act swiftly. His blueprint encompasses a multi-faceted approach, focusing on enhancing human resources support to foster greater professionalism and ensure a healthier work-life balance for officers. Concurrently, the Minister has called for a more visible and proactive police presence on the streets, advocating for increased patrols, meticulously targeted searches, and strategic operations, with a particular emphasis on preemptive policing in areas identified as high-risk. This push for operational enhancement is intended to solidify public confidence and create a palpable sense of security across the island.
However, the proposed changes have ignited a firestorm of criticism from the opposition party, AKEL. The party has vociferously condemned recent government and police leadership decisions concerning alterations to police working hours, arguing that these measures represent a significant erosion of established labour institutions and will detrimentally affect officers' remuneration and their overall working environment. AKEL has dismissed the government's justification of these changes as a cost-saving exercise as "provocative," especially in light of substantial tax concessions reportedly granted to major corporations and financial institutions.
The tension escalated earlier this week when Justice Minister Fitiris publicly endorsed the Police Chief's decision to modify the working schedules for over a thousand police personnel. In a firm stance, Fitiris also issued a stern warning, signalling potential disciplinary repercussions for union representatives who, in their expression of dissent, stray beyond appropriate professional boundaries. He subsequently convened meetings with the leadership of the Cyprus Police Association (SAK) and ISOTITA, underscoring the principle that trade union activities must remain within the purview of democratic and regulatory frameworks, and reiterating the non-negotiable requirement for directives from the Police Chief to be implemented.
Beyond the police force itself, Fitiris is also spearheading a significant reform of the prison system, distinct from initiatives undertaken by his predecessor. This new plan, which the Minister hopes to see finalised by the end of April, promises substantial structural changes. Key among these are the creation of 90 new posts, an elevation of the service hierarchy, and the introduction of a merit-based promotion system for frontline prison guards, which will acknowledge and reward their accumulated experience. A crucial element of this reform is the call for a clear demarcation between operational duties and union engagement within correctional facilities, with the Minister stressing the necessity for well-defined roles and stringent discipline. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached with the ISOTITA union to establish an independent task force dedicated to suppression and investigations, crucially, one that will not be staffed by existing prison guards. The need for a director possessing profound expertise in correctional policy and human resource management has also been highlighted as paramount to the successful implementation of these reforms. Ultimately, Fitiris stated, "The goal is a fair, functional and humane system, which recognises the particularities and difficulties of each service… rewards effort and efficiency, and restores trust between the state, the human resources of the police and society."