Newsroom
The confirmation ceremony for the new Chief of Police, Themistos Arnaoutis, and Deputy Chief of Police, Panikos Stavrou, took place today at the Presidential Palace, with President Nikos Christodoulides and other government officials in attendance.
During the ceremony, President Christodoulides congratulated the newly appointed officials but underscored the challenges they will face. “Cypriot society, rightly, demands from us to strengthen its sense of security,” he stated, urging both men to focus on action rather than words.
The President highlighted several key issues facing the police, including drug-related crime, hooliganism, and corruption. He called for increased cooperation with the Legal Service to expedite investigations into corruption, stating that “no form of hooliganism can be accepted.” He also emphasized the police's role in combating terrorism and addressing migration issues, acknowledging that significant work had already been done in these areas over the past 19 months.
In his remarks, Chief Arnaoutis acknowledged the current lack of public confidence in the police and the need for immediate action against organized crime and corruption. “We need to stabilize the situation and then look further,” he asserted while stressing the necessity for meaningful reorganization within the force, which he noted has not occurred in 64 years.
Deputy Chief Stavrou echoed these sentiments, pledging to boost morale within the force and enhance public safety. “I understand the huge responsibilities we have,” he stated, assuring those present that they would work diligently to fulfill their duties.
Concluding the ceremony, President Christodoulides reiterated that both the Chief and Deputy Chief would be held accountable by the Cypriot people as they take on these critical roles in law enforcement.
