**Nicosia, Cyprus** – A palpable tension surrounds the ongoing reform of the Cyprus Police Department, with Justice Minister Costas Fitiris on Monday urging an end to divisive tactics and advocating for a legislative pathway to resolution. Fitiris’ pronouncements come as police unions and parliamentary committees continue to voice concerns and propose avenues for discussion, highlighting a complex interplay between governmental directives, operational realities, and the aspirations of law enforcement personnel.
The Minister explicitly stated his conviction that definitive solutions to the reform quandaries should emerge from the established legislative framework, rather than succumbing to pressure exerted by unions or other external bodies. "I do not believe that it is worth continuing this conflict," Fitiris declared, signalling a desire to foster an atmosphere of reconciliation and amity within the force. This plea for unity is particularly pertinent given recent disclosures regarding significant understaffing issues plaguing police stations in Paphos and various rural districts, a situation that has fuelled anxieties about the capacity to effectively combat rising crime rates.
In response to the expressed staffing shortages in Paphos, Minister Fitiris reportedly rejected a direct request for increased personnel, instead positing the redistribution of existing forces as a viable strategy to bolster crime prevention efforts. This approach underscores the government's focus on optimising current resources. The police force, it was noted, is currently navigating a crucial phase of "transition and upgrading," with projections indicating that optimal operational efficiency is anticipated by the end of April. The organisational responsibilities for any reallocation of officers are firmly placed with the Chief of Police.
However, the path towards this anticipated optimisation is not without its friction points. Nikos Loizides, representing Isotita’s police branch, and Angelos Nikolaou, head of the Cyprus police association, have collectively called for the matter to be formally deliberated by the House legal affairs committee during its January sessions. Nikolaou further indicated that his organisation is awaiting a convening of the joint police committee, a body tasked with discussing such critical issues. This indicates a desire for broader consultative engagement beyond ministerial pronouncements.
Despite the challenges, Fitiris also conveyed a degree of satisfaction with the performance of the police in Paphos and Limassol, suggesting that the challenges are not uniformly distributed. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Justice has pledged concerted efforts to advance requests pertaining to technological enhancements and long-standing operational deficiencies, in close collaboration with the Chief of Police. The Minister’s emphasis on the hierarchical structure of the police force, likening it to a pyramid with the rank-and-file officer forming its foundational base, serves as a potent metaphor for the indispensable role of every individual within the service. This perspective suggests that any reform must ultimately support and empower the officers on the ground. The ongoing dialogue and the proposed parliamentary discussions signify a commitment to navigating these complex issues, with the ultimate aim of forging a more robust and effective police service for Cyprus.