The Cyprus Police Association (SAK) under PASYDY has voiced serious concerns over the government’s intention not to renew the contracts of 300 Contracted Special Police Officers (SEA).
Speaking on Protoselido, SAK President Giorgos Georgiou explained that when these 300 officers were first hired, their duties involved monitoring the Green Line due to migration issues. He noted, “When this initiative began, we didn’t know how it would unfold. The numbers speak for themselves: when they were recruited, there were 3,500 illegal migrants at Pournara. Currently, that number is 435, an approximately 80% reduction. These colleagues played a significant role in this reduction.”
He continued, “As SAK and PASYDY, which adhere strictly to the law, we invited these contracted officers to discuss their challenges and consider whether they could remain in their positions. We also sent a letter to the Minister of Justice asking for a review of the matter. A political party later brought the issue to Parliament for reconsideration. These officers had taken examinations but failed for certain reasons. Following their recruitment, new police officers entered through alternative channels. These SEA now offer significant contributions in their roles, working at their maximum capacity and making progress.”
The government recently announced 300 new positions, allowing SEA to reapply and sit for examinations for specialised police roles. Georgiou criticised this move, saying, “Indirectly, we are dismissing a group of employees, leaving 300 families in uncertainty. Some colleagues are in tears because they don’t know what the future holds.”
He mentioned that the response they received from the Minister of Justice was that “they knew what they signed up for.” Georgiou added, “We stand by them and will continue to do so. These colleagues will have a bleak Christmas because they know their contracts may end in 8-9 months, leaving them unemployed.”
When asked about Nikos Loizidis, Georgiou remarked, “Anyone can speak out and say what they want, but we deal in facts.”
Also read: Inmates allege violence by prison administration in joint letter
