Nicosia: Chief of the Police Themistos Arnaoutis outlined the vision for the Cyprus Police during a press conference on Tuesday, pointing out that improving operational capacity, optimal utilization of human resources, and technological upgrading are the key pillars. The Chief referred to the plans for the creation of a coordination center and a Directorate to deal with organized crime, as well as a more rational management of the working hours of the members of the Police.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Arnaoutis said that the goal is for the Police to operate as a modern, European Police, which will be flexible and focus on enhancing the security of citizens. He noted that in this context, a modern policing model should be created, as the existing one still has elements of the police during the colonial rule of the island.
Referring to setting up a modern coordination center, the Police Chief noted that the citizens want the Police to respond to their calls, adding that 'in this context, it seems that we are not the best.' He explained that this center will be able to receive and manage complaints or emergency calls to 112.
In his statements, Arnaoutis also said that high-ranking Europol executives will visit Cyprus to discuss strategic and operational analysis matters. Moreover, he said that special emphasis is given to the development of mechanisms for the timely and effective handling of cyberattacks.
Referring to organized crime, Arnaoutis said that "it cannot disappear," adding that the Police will set up a Directorate, taking into account the standards of corresponding services and departments in other countries and bodies, namely Greece, Europol, and the FBI.
The Police Chief also noted that they want to better utilize human resources, noting that in 2019 the working hours of police officers were reduced from 40 hours to 37.5, and this was only applied to those who do office work. He said that following comments from the Ministry of Finance, they found that if all members of the force work regular hours and the accumulation of overtime is avoided, the force will ensure the presence of more police officers daily.
Replying to a question, he said that by having the police officers work the agreed hours, the operational capacity of the force will not be limited, but on the contrary, it will be strengthened. Furthermore, he noted that all vacant positions have been filled, stating that the force now numbers over 5,000 members.