Cyprus police capabilities hindered by staff and budget shortages
The President of the Police Branch of Equality, Nikos Loizides, sounded the alarm on Thursday over the critical condition of the police force, citing major gaps in personnel and funding.
Speaking on Protoselido, Loizides said the public should not be surprised to see fewer officers on the streets. “Today, there’s no funding- that’s why there are fewer police officers out there,” he said, stressing that the issue is not about priorities, but about the lack of essential resources.
Using a pointed metaphor, Loizides compared the situation to a military system without ammunition. “Anyone who focused only on tactics and not on supplies and logistics lost their wars,” he said. “It’s like having the Iron Dome but no missiles. Right now, we have the Iron Dome, but no equipment.”
Budget cuts leave Cyprus police stretched thin
According to Loizides, the Cyprus police capabilities are being severely undermined by underfunding. The budget allocated for 2025 is just €5 million, an amount he described as completely insufficient. “The tap has already run dry. The funds are gone. There are no police on the streets. They’re not even approving overtime,” he added.
Officers, he noted, are forced to work in extremely high-pressure conditions with minimal support. “We’re trying to meet expectations with a skeleton crew. The effort is superhuman.”
He also addressed the issue of the 300 contract officers whose positions will not be renewed. “That decision was made back in February 2025,” he confirmed. “We announced it then, because I respect these families and their need to prepare.”
The comments highlight growing concerns about the future of policing in Cyprus amid limited investment and rising public demands.
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