President stresses public safety during Easter visit to police academy

President Nikos Christodoulides said that ensuring public safety across all sectors is the state’s primary obligation, during a visit to the Cyprus police academy ahead of the Easter holidays.

The president said he chose to deliver this message from the academy, which he visited to extend Easter wishes to police recruits and staff.

Addressing attendees in the presence of Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, the chief of police, the academy’s director and police leadership, as well as trainee officers, Christodoulides highlighted the critical role of police officers in safeguarding everyday life.

“What you have chosen to do is more a calling than a profession,” he said, stressing the responsibility entrusted to them by the state to ensure citizens feel secure. “I want you to fully understand the great responsibility you undertake, as the state places its trust in you to guarantee the sense of security of Cypriot citizens,” he added.

At the same time, the president reiterated the government’s reliance on the police force and its leadership to meet what he described as the justified expectations of society for safety in all areas. He expressed confidence that through their training at the academy – particularly through discipline and a clear understanding of their responsibilities – recruits would meet public expectations and contribute to strengthening security.

Christodoulides also conveyed Easter wishes, saying, “Happy Resurrection, many happy returns, and I hope these Easter days will also lead to the end of the occupation, reunification and the liberation of our homeland.”

Welcoming the president, academy director Andreas Angelides said it was the first time a president had visited the academy outside official ceremonies, describing the visit as a particular honour.

He noted that 201 trainee police officers were currently present, in addition to others who had recently begun their training. Upon completion, he said, they would be deployed by the end of April according to the needs of the police force.

Angelides said discipline is a key priority in their training, describing it as essential to the overall success of the police.

He added that trainee officers represent the future of the force and are equipped to meet the demands of society, particularly citizens seeking effective service.

He said the role of academy staff – and the wider police leadership – is to support and guide recruits so they can successfully carry out their duties.