Police in tourist training seminars

A SERIES of police seminars is under way, teaching officers how better to communicate with tourists.

Entitled, ‘Tourism and Tourist Consciousness’, the seminars are taking place at the Police Academy in Nicosia, with 131 officers involved this year as part of their ongoing training.

These officers are currently serving at police stations located close to tourist areas.

According to an official police press release, “we have for several years now realised the importance of providing a quality service to the thousands of visiting tourists to the island, especially during the summer months.”

The seminars, which will run until August, are being chaired by hotel and tourism expert Michalis Demosthenous, with various guest speakers from the field invited to attend.

Special emphasis will be placed on skills that an officer will need when dealing with a tourist.

“Tourism contributes so much to the economy and development of the island, therefore the police realise its importance,” the press release concluded.

An officer who has previously attended the seminars said they have been ongoing for a number of years now.

“We are taught terminology that we may need in various foreign languages including English, German, Russian and Spanish in order to help us better communicate with people,” the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, stated.

“In addition, we must learn certain legislation, so that we know who to refer people to, if they make a complaint, for instance.”

The officer said that she has put what she has learnt at the seminars to good use. “I have found them to be extremely helpful, especially when dealing with tourists.”