Filenews 26 March 2024 - by Fanis Makrides
For a period of 60 days, about 200 members of the Police will participate in motorized patrols from late at night until the morning hours with the aim of "preventing and combating serious and organized crime".
This is the exact reference to a 16-page note sent by the leadership of the Police to all heads of branches, services and departments of the Police Force and which is revealed today by "F".
This is the action plan that was implemented last Friday (22/3) and will be valid until May 22. It provides daily motorized patrols from late at night until the early morning hours.
In this two-month operation, the intended result, based on the mission as described in the classified note to all involved, is law and order enforcement with a strong police presence. It is explained that with the frequent conduct of coordinated operations and systematic checks of vehicles, suspicious persons and premises, the goal will be achieved.
It is obvious that this measure – at least according to the wording used in the order – seeks a firm blow against the criminal elements, which have been emboldened in recent months. Suffice it to recall that justice officials, as well as members of the Police (current and former) were targets of attacks by the underworld. In one case, namely in Paphos, a bomb exploded in a public prosecutor's house, putting her life in immediate danger.
188 members, 89 patrols
For the purpose of implementing the operation, all police departments will participate, even the personnel performing office duties. It is indicative that a total of 188 members of the Force will be on mission in all districts every night until the morning of the next day, while the patrols that will perform checks and coordinated operations will be 89. At the same time, in Nicosia and Limassol two police motorcyclists will participate in the patrols.
Information service
The note marked "confidential" describes exactly the role of each police department, as well as the other involved services that will be called upon to contribute to the implementation of the plan. For example, police directorates were instructed to have members of the "Z" team, the traffic police, the Crime Prevention Unit (OPE) and police stations. It is distinct from the wording of the 16-page order that weight is given to the involvement of the Information Management and Analysis Service (YDAP) in the whole operation. There are specific references to how it will assist in the operational work.
Opposition on motorways
Specific instructions are also given to other services on how to act now. For example, members of the Traffic Police Department are called upon in the 16-page order, dated 20/3/2024, to intercept vehicles on motorways and check persons.
Each Police department/service will carry out checks at predetermined intervals. In fact, according to the written instructions, there will be an adjustment of working hours for members of the Police who were already provided to perform specific duties. Simply put, the orders given through the order are very specific.
36 geographical areas
The 188 members of the Force, which will constitute the 93 motorized patrols (four motorcyclists are counted), will cover a total of 36 geographical areas throughout Cyprus, which have already been defined. Indicatively, 11 areas will be covered in Nicosia, 9 areas in Limassol, 6 areas in Larnaka, 5 areas in Paphos, 3 areas in free Famagusta and –finally- 2 areas in Morfou.
From all departments
As we have already noted, the 188 members of the Police will come from all police departments. Even executives working during office hours (07:00 – 14:30) will be recruited, as it became known last week after trade union reactions. Indicatively, the Aliens and Immigration Service will participate with a motorized patrol (two members), supporting the operations of the Nicosia District Police Directorate. The YKAN, in addition, will be on standby.
The senior officers
The written action plan also records the role of senior officers. Reference is made to the police directors of the provinces who will draw up the action plans, but also to those who will supervise them and will be the four assistant chiefs of police. The latter will supervise what will happen in the six districts (Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, Morfou, Larnaka and Famagusta), while they will also make site visits.
An assistant chief has been appointed to keep himself constantly informed of all relevant developments.
The general supervision, of course, will be carried out by the Deputy Chief of Police, Dimitris Demetriou. The latter has also signed the relevant 16-page order as deputy chief of police.
Scepticism about measures by corporatists
Despite the fact that the operational plan is detailed and describes exactly the actions that will be taken by all members for its implementation, scepticism has been expressed by members of the Force. It is known, after all, since the end of last week that issues have been raised by two police unions belonging to "Equality" and ASDYK. The issue was mainly raised in relation to staff working in office hours and will be required to perform overtime duties, without receiving the appropriate remuneration (they will be given the appropriate rest time). It is estimated that daily the affected staff (working between 07:00 – 14:30) in all cities of Cyprus will exceed the number of 20 people. There are other issues being discussed among ordinary members of the Force. The position is expressed, for example, that the operations will result in possible arrests and a volume of work that will have to be handled by police officers of relevant stations, provincial ICFs and provincial units of the Anti-Narcotics Agency. They believe that the number of the latter will probably accept a disproportionate number to carry out the job. Questions are also expressed about police detention facilities and their general adequacy (see number of detainees, suitability, security, etc.).
