**New Procedure for Police Guards for Political Figures and State Officers to Launch This Month**
The Ministry of Justice in Cyprus has announced the implementation of a new procedure for assigning police guards to political figures and state officers, set to take effect this month. This initiative aims to enhance the security framework surrounding individuals deemed at risk, ensuring that appropriate protective measures are in place.
According to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday, the new protocol will involve the police conducting comprehensive risk assessments for each individual requiring protection. These assessments will be reviewed every six months, or more frequently if circumstances dictate a change in risk levels. This systematic approach is designed to ensure that security measures are both relevant and responsive to the evolving nature of threats.
The introduction of this new procedure follows a legal opinion from the Law Office of Cyprus, which was sought to clarify the existing legislative framework regarding the provision of police guards. Historically, since the 1970s, the practice of assigning guards to political figures and state officers was managed through cabinet approvals, but lacked specific legislative guidelines. The Law Office's review highlighted the need for a more structured and legally sound approach to security assignments.
Under the new guidelines, the police will have the authority to determine the necessity of protection measures based on their risk assessments. The results of these evaluations will be communicated directly to the Ministry of Justice, eliminating the previous requirement for cabinet involvement in the decision-making process. This shift is expected to streamline the procedure and allow for quicker responses to security needs.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that all current guards and existing protection measures will undergo a thorough reassessment to align with the newly established risk evaluation framework. In cases where the need for police guarding is not substantiated by the risk assessment, such measures will be either terminated or modified accordingly. The ministry reiterated that police protection is a security measure that will be provided only when deemed necessary based on documented risks.
This new procedure reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of public officials while also adapting to contemporary security challenges. The emphasis on regular risk assessments aims to create a more dynamic and responsive security environment for those in positions of political and state authority.
As the new procedure rolls out, it remains to be seen how it will impact the current landscape of security for political figures in Cyprus, but the Ministry of Justice is optimistic that these changes will enhance the effectiveness of protective measures in place.