the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, appears dissatisfied with the Police leadership’s decision to change the working hours of members of the Crime Prevention Units (OPE), according to ministry sources.
The same sources said the Minister’s reaction is linked to the fact that there was no prior briefing on the intention to extend the new shift system to the OPE, nor was there consultation on an issue that, as noted, carries not only administrative but also operational implications.
According to the Ministry, Fytiris believes that changes affecting the operation of critical police units such as the OPE, the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) and the Rapid Response Unit (MMAD) should be assessed at a political level, including between the Minister and the Police Chief, particularly as they concern crime prevention, policing and the public’s sense of safety.
In response to a question on whether a meeting has taken place between the Minister and Police leadership, sources said no meeting has yet been held, although the issue is expected to be raised soon. They reiterated that decisions of such importance cannot be taken without proper briefing and without fully considering their impact on police operational readiness and everyday life for citizens.
Asked whether the changes will proceed regardless, ministry sources said that since they were announced by the Police Chief, there is no question of them not going ahead.
Source: CNA
