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The Cyprus Police Association (CPA) issued a statement addressing the recent escape of a detainee under police guard, firmly defending the Contracted Special Police Officer (CPS) involved. The CPA emphasized that the officer’s employment contract did not include guarding detainees, sparking broader discussions about staffing and specialization within the police force.
The CPA highlighted that the CPS officer lacked the necessary training, experience, and expertise to guard detainees. His primary role, as outlined in his contract, was guarding the Green Line, not overseeing individuals in custody. Despite this, the officer was instructed to guard the detainee, a task he could not refuse, according to the CPA.
The association stressed their continued support for the officer, stating he was unfairly blamed for the escape and calling for proper staffing and specialized facilities to handle high-risk detainees, particularly international criminals.
The CPA reiterated the need for specialization within the police force. They urged that CPS officers be retained for their contracted duties and proposed the recruitment of 300 additional special constables to address chronic understaffing issues.
The escaped detainee, a 49-year-old man, was apprehended on the fifth floor of a building under construction in the Larnaca District. Following a coordinated police operation, he was arrested around 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Authorities confirmed that the detainee would appear before the Larnaca District Court on Tuesday for a detention order related to the escape. On December 30, he is also scheduled to face a judicial extradition hearing, as Swedish authorities are seeking his return for unresolved charges.
This incident has reignited concerns about resource allocation, understaffing, and the misalignment of duties within the police force. The CPA’s statement reflects their broader stance on the importance of proper training and the necessity for a workforce equipped to handle specialized tasks, especially in cases involving serious international criminals.
