In a significant leadership shift for the Cyprus Police Force, Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis has been appointed as the new Chief of Police, while Mr. Panikos Stavrou takes on the role of Deputy Chief, both officially instated by President Nikos Christodoulides. With a combined experience of nearly 70 years in law enforcement, the two leaders are committed to enhancing public safety and fostering reform within the force, marking a hopeful new chapter for policing in Cyprus.
Who are the new leaders in the Cyprus Police Force?
The new Chief of Police in Cyprus is Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis, with a tenure of 34 years in the force. His Deputy Chief is Mr. Panikos Stavrou, who brings over 35 years of service. Both were appointed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, marking a significant leadership change.
The Presidential Decree
In a significant reshuffle within the Cypriot law enforcement hierarchy, Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis and Mr. Panikos Stavrou have been instated as the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police, respectively. This change comes by the direct appointment of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, marking a new chapter in the nation’s policing and administrative narrative.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
On a day marked by formality and anticipation, a ceremony commenced at 4 pm within the stately confines of the Presidential Palace. Distinguished by the presence of Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the President himself, this event was not just procedural but symbolic, reaffirming the Republic’s commitment to the rule of law and public order.
Profiles of the New Appointees
Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis: A Tenured Journey
The new Chief of Police, Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis, is no stranger to the force. His tenure spans an impressive 34 years, culminating in this prestigious leadership role. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Arnaoutis held the position of Deputy Chief of Police since January 2023 and has been pivotal in various capacities, such as Assistant Chief of Local Police and Operational Support.
Mr. Panikos Stavrou: Steadfast Service
Mr. Panikos Stavrou steps into the role of Deputy Chief of Police, bringing with him a wealth of experience accumulated over 35 years of diligent service. His background is diverse and includes commanding the Presidential Guard Unit since March 2023 and serving as the Deputy Director at the Central Intelligence Service (CIS) since June 2023.
Presidential Address: A Call to Action
During the ceremony, the President took the opportunity to address the new leaders, offering congratulations and setting expectations. He spoke of society’s demands for heightened security and the imperative to fortify the public’s sense of safety. The President’s directive was clear: utilize the capable personnel of the Police Force, address corruption decisively, and work collaboratively with the Government and other societal pillars to meet the high expectations placed upon them.
Commitment to Reform and Progress
A Collective Endeavor
Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis accepted his new role with gracious acknowledgment of the President’s trust. He stressed the importance of reorganizing the Police as a collective task, highlighting the need for mutual interest, communication, and trust within the force as essential ingredients for improvement and modernization.
A Pledge from the Deputy Chief
Similarly, Mr. Panikos Stavrou, expressing gratitude for his appointment, pledged to pour his efforts into elevating the morale of the Police and ensuring citizens’ security. His vision aligns seamlessly with that of the Chief—aiming for a synergistic approach to leadership and reform.
Looking Forward: Assurance of Diligence
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to hard work and cooperation to fulfill their roles effectively. They recognized the challenges that lie ahead but remained confident in their ability to meet them head-on, with the end goal of creating a better Cyprus Police for the service of the public and the betterment of the nation.
In Cyprus, there has been a big change in the police leadership. Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis is now the Chief of Police, and Mr. Panikos Stavrou is the Deputy Chief. Both men have a lot of experience—almost 70 years combined in law enforcement. They were appointed by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, who believes this is an important step for improving public safety and making changes in the police force.
They had a formal ceremony to mark their new roles, where President Christodoulides congratulated them and emphasized the need for better security in society. He asked them to work on reducing corruption and to cooperate with the government and the community.
Mr. Arnaoutis expressed gratitude for his new position and stressed that improving the police will require teamwork and communication among officers. Mr. Stavrou also promised to boost the morale of the police and ensure citizens feel safe.
Both leaders are committed to working hard and tackling the challenges ahead. They aim to create a better police force that serves and protects the people of Cyprus.
