Politis

Phytiris: No Point in Continuing the Dispute over Police Working Hours

Published January 5, 2026, 10:29
Phytiris: No Point in Continuing the Dispute over Police Working Hours

The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Konstantinos Phytiris, visited the Paphos Police Directorate, where he was briefed on the staffing shortages affecting both the Central Police Station and the rural stations. This understaffing has worsened due to the secondment of police officers to support the Cypriot Presidency of the European Union. The Minister requested better utilization of existing personnel and increased patrols to strengthen citizens' sense of security. Mr. Phytiris emphasized that, despite the rise in crime, the Paphos Police Directorate is at a satisfactory level in terms of staffing, but the redistribution of forces by the Chief of Police of Paphos, under the guidance of the Chief of Police, is expected to improve the situation. He clarified that the immediate strengthening of the force is an operational matter within the competence of the Chief of Police, but the Ministry is available to solve problems. The Minister stated that the Police are in a phase of upgrading and evolution, with expected developments by the end of April. The goal is to improve the functioning of the Police and more effectively address crime. Furthermore, Mr. Phytiris stressed that there are no "traumas" in the relations between the Police and the trade unions, and that the priority is the composition and unity of forces for the common good of the Police and society.