**Fidias Panayiotou Invites Police Officers to Apply for Personal Security Detail**
In a recent social media announcement, Fidias Panayiotou, the leader of the political party Direct Democracy, has made a unique request for police officers to apply for the position of his personal security detail. The 26-year-old politician, who holds a seat in the Cypriot parliament, is entitled to police escort under a standing cabinet decision, although this is not codified in law.
In a video posted on Tuesday, Panayiotou addressed police officers directly, inviting those with experience and qualifications to consider guarding him. “Are you a police officer? If you’re watching, this is for you,” he stated, emphasizing his new status as a party leader and the security that comes with it. He further elaborated that interested officers should submit their applications through a provided link, highlighting the need for a proven track record in security.
The request has raised eyebrows, particularly because it implies that Panayiotou would have a role in selecting the officers assigned to him. Typically, the assignment of police escorts for political figures is determined by a special committee appointed by the police chief, rather than by the individuals themselves. A police source who spoke with the Cyprus Mail described Panayiotou’s approach as “odd,” noting that the standard procedure involves two officers being assigned to a political party leader, with the possibility of additional personnel based on a security risk assessment.
The qualifications for police officers to serve in such a capacity include basic training in firearms and escort drills. Some officers may also have specialized training from the rapid response unit, known as Mmad. However, there are questions surrounding the practicality of assigning police guards to Panayiotou, particularly given that he spends a significant amount of time abroad in Brussels and Strasbourg as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). This raises concerns about the actual duties of any police officers assigned to him while he is in Cyprus.
The situation has prompted scrutiny from the Audit Office, which is currently reviewing the protocols and procedures governing police escorts for politicians and officials. This inquiry was initiated following complaints regarding the continued assignment of police guards to former justice minister Marios Hartsiotis, who now serves as the presidential commissioner. Auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou confirmed that the office has formally requested information from the justice ministry regarding the criteria used for assigning police escorts.
Papaconstantinou expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the assignment of police guards, describing the current system as “a bit chaotic.” He noted that it is generally standard practice for politicians to receive two police guards working in shifts, but the absence of a clear formula for these assignments has led to confusion and inconsistency.
As the discourse around police security for politicians evolves, Panayiotou’s unconventional invitation to police officers may further fuel discussions on the appropriate use of police resources for political figures in Cyprus.