Newsroom
The Pan-Cyprian Union “Equality” has reported an attack on an officer at a Social Services office in Limassol and warned that it may take action.
According to the union, the incident occurred Monday at the Germasogeia Social Services Office, where a citizen allegedly verbally and physically assaulted staff, throwing objects in an attempt to break the protective glass at the reception area.
The union said the private security guard on site did not intervene, and police arrived about 30 minutes later.
“This incident demonstrates once again that the private security guards assigned to Social Services offices, in practice, do not have the necessary skills or training to handle crises,” the union said in a statement.
“Their presence provides only formal, not substantive, security. The lack of clear cooperation protocols with the police leads to dangerous delays. Staff are forced to operate under a climate of fear and appeasement, which reinforces rather than deters violence,” it added.
The union called on the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and police to take measures, including replacing private security guards with police officers and establishing a protocol for handling violent incidents, including recording them and limiting service to aggressive individuals.
“Equality” also warned that it may take strong measures to protect its members, such as work stoppages, strikes, refusing service to citizens who exhibit violent behavior, public denunciation, and legal action.
