Philenews

Alchemy with Police Schedules to Cover Up Leadership and Political Failure

Published January 3, 2026, 09:14
Alchemy with Police Schedules to Cover Up Leadership and Political Failure

The decision of the Chief of Police to reduce the working hours of police officers, instead of increasing them, has provoked a strong reaction from the officers themselves, creating a paradoxical situation. The police leadership seeks to release about 100 officers for special duties by reducing their working hours by one hour per shift, but this entails a reduction of approximately 15 days of rest per year for the officers. Criticism focuses on the fact that the decision is not accompanied by the recruitment of new personnel or the reorganization of the service, but simply imposes greater pressure on the existing force. This decision, which was imposed without consultation with the police officers, is considered unfortunate, given that it coincides with Cyprus's assumption of the EU Presidency and the rise of organized crime. This move undermines the effort to create a new Cypriot FBI to effectively combat gangs. Police unions are warning of a collapse in policing, exhaustion of officers and increased risk to public safety. The logic behind the decision is to save man-hours, which will be used to strengthen policing in special duties. However, the unions argue that this simply means more work for the same police officers, with fewer days off. The situation is described as a accounting trick that camouflages the reality of exhaustion. The timing of the decision, shortly before the start of the EU Presidency, adds a touch of irony, as any wrong move could embarrass the country internationally. The police leadership is accused of creating a crisis within its own ranks, instead of focusing on addressing external challenges.