**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – A prominent police union, Isotita, has publicly accused the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, of exceeding his legal mandate concerning a significant reform of officers' working hours. The union contends that the proposed changes to shift patterns and rest day allocations, slated for implementation in January, should have been formally presented to the Council of Ministers for approval, a procedural step they claim was deliberately circumvented. This dispute has now garnered international attention, with the European police confederation (EuroCOP) preparing to dispatch a delegation to Cyprus to investigate the matter.
At the heart of the controversy lies Article 13 of the police law, which, according to Isotita, explicitly stipulates that recommendations pertaining to police duty hours must be submitted to the cabinet for regulatory endorsement. Nikos Loizides, the head of Isotita’s police branch, articulated the union's stance during a radio interview on CyBC, stating that this crucial step was omitted. "This did not happen," Loizides asserted, directly accusing the Chief of Police of an "excess of authority." The union’s legal advisors have corroborated this interpretation, bolstering Isotita's position that the current approach is legally untenable.
The proposed reforms, as detailed by Isotita, would drastically alter the existing framework for frontline officers. The union claims the changes would reduce annual rest days from one for every 20 working days to one for every 76 working days. This significant shift, if enacted, could potentially leave officers with up to 15 fewer rest days per year. Isotita posits that such a reduction infringes upon fundamental labour rights, which they argue cannot be unilaterally altered by the police leadership. The union leadership, alongside the Justice Minister, has been accused by Isotita of targeting officers at the forefront of law enforcement.
The escalation of this internal dispute to an international forum underscores the gravity with which Isotita views the situation. EuroCOP is scheduled to visit Cyprus later this month to conduct a thorough examination of the grievances. Following their on-site assessment, the European police confederation intends to brief the European Parliament on their findings. This international scrutiny is a direct consequence of Isotita’s characterisation of the current circumstances as a source of "international disgrace" for Cypriot police officers, highlighting their perception of systemic mistreatment.
The union's firm stance suggests a protracted struggle ahead. Isotita remains resolute in its opposition to the reforms as currently proposed, viewing them as detrimental to the welfare and rights of its members. The pending visit of the EuroCOP delegation and the subsequent briefing to the European Parliament are poised to exert considerable pressure on the Cypriot authorities, potentially forcing a reassessment of the Chief of Police’s actions and the controversial working hour reforms. The outcome of these developments will undoubtedly have significant implications for police working conditions and the adherence to legal procedures within the force.