Police overtime payments in 2023 exceeded the budget by over €9 million, totaling nearly €14.5 million. This covered extra hours worked on security at mass gatherings, terrorism prevention, crime prevention, sports venue security, road safety, and illegal migration challenges.
How much has been paid in police overtime and what does it cover?
Police overtime payments in 2023 amounted to nearly €14.5 million, surpassing the budget by over €9 million. This compensated for extra hours worked on security at mass gatherings, terrorism prevention, crime prevention, sports venue security, road safety, and illegal migration challenges.
Overtime Expenditure Surges Beyond Budget
Justice Minister Anna Procopiou disclosed during a House finance committee discussion on her ministry’s budget that a considerable €14.5 million has been allocated to police officers for overtime work up until the end of September this year. This figure significantly overshadows the €5.3 million initially earmarked for 2023.
Breakdown of Overtime Activities
The overtime compensation covers a range of critical functions. Officers have been diligently working beyond their regular hours to ensure the security of mass gatherings and address terrorism-related issues. Their extended service also encompasses efforts in crime prevention, management of sports venue security, road safety enforcement, and tackling the challenges arising from illegal migration.
2024 Projections and Payroll Allocations
Looking ahead, the ministry’s overall budget for 2024 is projected at €452 million. A substantial 77 percent of this budget, amounting to €350 million, is designated for payroll expenses. Of this, €349 million is specifically earmarked for the police force, highlighting the government’s commitment to law enforcement and public safety.
Focus on Juvenile Justice Reform
Procopiou further explained that the ministry is proactively working on legislative reforms targeted at juvenile offenders. These amendments, developed with expertise from the University of Cyprus and input from the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, are currently undergoing legal vetting by the attorney-general’s office.
Future Developments for Juvenile Offenders
The ministry prioritizes creating segregated spaces within the central prisons for juveniles. It is anticipated that in 2024, a tender will be released for constructing a dedicated section for underage offenders. The minister stressed the importance of separation, ensuring minors held in such facilities would not interact with adult inmates. There’s also a proposal to establish special detention centers for juveniles.
Minister’s Clarifications on Amendments
Responding to inquiries, Procopiou clarified that the legislative changes would enable the possibility of detaining minors in central prisons, albeit in segregated conditions. This move ensures that the necessary protective measures are in place to maintain the safety and well-being of juvenile detainees.
Quick Recap
- Police overtime payments in 2023 exceeded the budget by over €9 million, totaling nearly €14.5 million.
- The overtime compensation covers extra hours worked on security at mass gatherings, terrorism prevention, crime prevention, sports venue security, road safety, and illegal migration challenges.
- The overall budget for the Ministry of Justice in 2024 is projected at €452 million, with €350 million designated for payroll expenses, specifically for the police force.
- The Ministry of Justice is working on legislative reforms targeted at juvenile offenders, with a focus on creating segregated spaces within central prisons for minors.
- The legislative changes would enable the possibility of detaining minors in central prisons under segregated conditions, ensuring their safety and well-being.
