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Justice Minister Costas Fitiris’ review of police protection for political figures and former state officials is already freeing officers for other duties, as the government continues efforts to reduce unnecessary public expenditure.
According to Philenews, the latest development concerns the police officer who had been assigned as driver and escort to former first lady Androulla Vassiliou. Following Vassiliou’s decision to return the officer to regular police duties, he reported to Nicosia Police Headquarters on Monday to receive instructions for his new post.
The officer had not been formally notified that he was expected to report, however, and was subsequently placed on leave for a week while his transfer is completed. He is expected to take up his new duties next Monday.
The development follows Fitiris’ decision to overhaul the way police protection is assigned to political figures and former officials. Under the new approach, security arrangements are being assessed according to documented security risks rather than continuing automatically on the basis of a person’s previous public office.
The Justice Ministry has said that existing protection arrangements are being reassessed and will be adjusted where the level of risk does not justify the continued deployment of police officers. Reviews are also expected to be carried out regularly.
Police resources returned to public service
The changes have already resulted in police officers being released from security duties.
Nine officers have so far been freed following decisions linked to the review, including six previously assigned to the protection of a residence and three who had been assigned to former EDEK president Nikos Anastasiou before his resignation.
Further reductions involving the security arrangements of former House presidents Yiannakis Omirou and Demetris Syllouris, as well as former first lady Elsi Christofias, are expected to bring the number of officers freed from such duties to around 15.
The figure could approach 20 if officers currently assigned to former President Nicos Anastasiades are also released following the assessment of his security arrangements.
For the government, the issue is not simply the number of officers involved. Police personnel assigned to protection duties are unavailable for other responsibilities at a time when the force is facing additional staffing requirements.
Officers are currently needed for duties including the operation and security of the former migrant detention centre at Mennogeia, which is being converted into a facility for remand prisoners and suspects.
Fitiris presses ahead with reform
The security review is part of a larger effort by Fitiris to change how the Justice Ministry and the services under its responsibility operate.
The minister has ordered a reassessment of existing police protection arrangements and has also been pursuing changes to the police and prison systems, including reforms to recruitment, promotions, retirement rules, allowances, organisational structures and specialised units.
The new security system follows a legal opinion that responsibility for assessing security risks and determining the necessary level of police protection rests with the Police rather than the Cabinet. Under the revised procedure, the police security committee assesses the risks and submits its findings to the Justice Minister.
Fitiris’ approach has therefore shifted the discussion from entitlement based on former office to whether a police presence can be justified by an objective security assessment.
The reform has also brought renewed attention to the cost of maintaining police officers in personal protection roles. In 2021, an earlier review found that 97 police officers were assigned to protect politicians and state officials, at an annual cost of more than €1 million.
Vassiliou decision adds to reform's impact
Vassiliou had initially criticised the decision to end her police protection, arguing that the officer had accompanied her to official events, conferences and diplomatic functions rather than being required solely for personal security. She subsequently said she wanted to assist the Justice Ministry in implementing its decision and saving public money, instructing the officer to return to police service.
Her decision means another police officer can now be assigned to regular police duties rather than remaining attached to a former official.
The government’s wider objective is to ensure that police officers are deployed where their work is required, while reducing state expenditure on arrangements that are not supported by current security assessments.
Fitiris has also been pursuing changes across the police and prison services, with recent discussions focusing on staffing shortages, infrastructure, equipment, officer safety and the modernisation of the relevant legislation.
The security review is therefore becoming one of the clearest examples of the minister’s stated approach: reassessing established practices, identifying where public resources can be released and directing those resources towards services with immediate operational needs.
