**State Recognises Good Work of the Police**
On Friday, the contributions of police officers were formally acknowledged during a graduation ceremony at the police academy, where Justice Minister Costas Fitiris delivered a speech emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing training and professional development within the force.
Fitiris addressed a gathering of officers, trainees, and academy staff, highlighting the challenging conditions under which police officers operate. He noted that they are increasingly faced with growing responsibilities in a complex security environment. "We know that the quality of policing is directly linked to the quality of education, guidance and continuous professional development of its members," Fitiris stated, underscoring the importance of ongoing training in modern policing.
The Justice Minister outlined the government's vision for a modern, efficient, and humane police force that can effectively respond to contemporary challenges. He emphasized that maintaining public trust is essential and can be achieved through careful planning, knowledge, discipline, and respect. Fitiris described the strengthening of training and fostering a robust professional culture as ongoing priorities for the government.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to members of the police force who excelled in various capacities, including the Reward Cup competition, which recognizes outstanding performance in criminal detection. Fitiris remarked that each award symbolizes "effort, perseverance, discipline, study, and consistency," reflecting the hard work of those honored.
Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis also spoke at the event, emphasizing the necessity of knowledge and operational readiness in an ever-evolving security landscape. He remarked that the academy plays a crucial role in equipping officers with the necessary tools to respond competently and professionally to the demands of modern policing.
Academy Director Andreas Angelides elaborated on the transformative power of education, stating that it turns "knowledge into ability, ability into self-confidence, and self-confidence into effective leadership." He reaffirmed that this mission remains central to the academy's objectives.
Reviewing the academy's achievements over the past academic year, Angelides reported that 107 training programs were conducted, involving 3,572 police officers. Additionally, 692 participants from various public services attended specialized training sessions. He highlighted the academy's international outreach, noting that 92 police members participated in 74 training programs abroad, facilitated through partnerships with international organizations.
Angelides concluded by announcing that the academy is committed to ongoing modernization efforts aimed at upgrading educational programs and enhancing the capabilities of the police force. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to ensure that law enforcement personnel are well-prepared to meet the challenges of their roles in a rapidly changing world.
The graduation ceremony served not only as a celebration of individual achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the government's dedication to fostering a highly skilled and professional police force capable of serving the community effectively.