Cyprus is preparing changes to maritime safety, prison management, stadium surveillance and security arrangements for political figures.
Speaking on Politis 107.6 and 97.6, Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris said the government is updating laws and procedures that have remained unchanged for years, while confirming that the new organised crime directorate is already largely operational.
Fytiris acknowledged that shortcomings and gaps had persisted for years, saying the government’s efforts were now focused on modernising legislation and procedures.
“Our goal is to correct these distortions,” he said, adding that changes in society, technology and public expectations made it necessary to review older arrangements.
Sea patrols before severe weather
Fytiris addressed maritime safety amid growing discussion over the absence of a comprehensive mechanism allowing authorities to impose a sailing ban.
He said the necessary legislation would move forward. “We will do everything possible to ensure it is not left in a drawer,” he said.
Until the legislative process is completed, the ministry is introducing practical measures. Fytiris said instructions had been issued through the Chief of Police for the Port and Marine Police to conduct patrols using vessels and helicopters along the coastline ahead of severe weather.
If a vessel is found at sea while bad weather is approaching, authorities will warn those on board to seek shelter at a port, marina or fishing refuge.
The minister stressed, however, that vessel owners and captains bear sole responsibility for monitoring weather bulletins and protecting both their crews and vessels.
Planning is also progressing for a new Coast Guard that would bring together responsibilities currently divided among different services. Its core would consist of the Port and Marine Police and the Police Aviation Operations Unit, with services from the Department of Fisheries and the Hydrographic Service also expected to be incorporated.
Stadium cameras and political escorts
Fytiris said an agreed roadmap was already in place for stadium operators to install modern high-definition cameras.
The systems must allow authorities to identify people who commit offences inside stadiums through the Fan Card system.
“Otherwise, the Fan Card has no purpose or value,” he said.
Operators who fail to meet the deadlines for tender procedures and system installation could lose their temporary operating licences.
Changes are also planned to police protection for political figures. Fytiris said all such decisions would be based on risk assessments. Where no genuine threat is identified, police protection will not be provided.
Prison overcrowding and staffing problems
Turning to the Central Prisons, Fytiris acknowledged problems involving overcrowding and staffing.
“We are not sweeping the problems under the carpet,” he said, adding that he regularly visits the prisons and speaks with both staff and inmates.
The minister also said sick leave was being abused within the public service.
“In my view, there is abuse,” he said, adding that the ministry was working with the Cyprus Medical Association to address cases in which sick leave certificates are issued without sufficient justification.
Alternative sentences and arrangements for people serving short terms are being examined as part of efforts to ease overcrowding.
The ministry is also planning enhanced training for newly recruited prison officers with the involvement of the University of Cyprus.
‘Cyprus FBI’ remains operational
Fytiris firmly rejected reports that the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, widely referred to as the “Cyprus FBI”, had been placed on hold.
“God forbid, it is not being put on ice,” he said.
The directorate is already largely operational, while the process of housing it in a single building is nearing completion. The premises will bring together all its functions, from intelligence gathering to operational activity.
