Hiring freeze difficult for busy police

 

THE GOVERNMENT hiring freeze makes the work of the police even harder, especially in light of Cyprus assuming the EU presidency in the second half of the year, the island’s top policeman said.

Michalis Papageorgiou said the force’s job this year will be very difficult since beyond normal duties it would have to step up security due to the presidency, which starts in July and the campaign ahead of the February 2013 presidential elections.

The chief said the hiring freeze has left vacant 152 positions, which would have helped the police better respond to its duties.

While demand for policing increased, the force’s personnel and equipment decreased, Papageorgiou said, adding that he has requested for the police to be exempted from the freeze.

During the presidency, the force will have to provide security for 180 meetings held in Cyprus.

An estimated 627 officers will be used while 13 others, members of the elite MMAD squad, will travel to Brussels to take part in the Council’s security.

Justice Minister Loucas Louca told lawmakers yesterday that his ministry would hold seven meetings to discuss security measures that will be taken – including the Informal Meeting of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs in July.

During the six-month presidency, the police will preside over 26 committees or working groups and 60 more in Brussels. 

 

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