SHARES THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THESE PROCEDURES ON THE ISLAND.

“The Department of Civil Aviation has conducted an extensive study in regards to [airport safety].

The focus of the study was placed on the security measures that need to be applied, which will predominantly target the enhancement of the level of safety of our airports and the management of some of the duties are currently the responsibilities of Cyprus Police.

Through the study it was concluded that Cyprus should implement the methods which 26 other European Union (EU) member countries are following, where baggage control is assigned to private specialist companies.

The only exceptions are Cyprus that appointed the police authority, and Romania that has involved the armed forces to oversee baggage control.

I would like to clarify that I am not referring to any average security company, but to specialised organisations with long-standing experience in providing such services.

An open call contest will be announced to select the company that will be contracted, with the overall procedure being conducted by the airports’ management group, Hermes Airports.

During the bid’s term-setting phase, both the Department of Civil Aviation and Cyprus Police will have the capacity to state their views and demands.

Therefore, any future statements from individuals or groups regarding [the government] trying to privatise more sectors, will not be considered valid.

What we are trying to achieve is to maximise the level of security through a thorough study that has been implemented.

It is much easier to exert control over a private company which is merely held by a contract under which all terms of control will be foreseen and included.

[…] The duties that will be allocated to the private company will involve anything that has to do with baggage control, while passport and travel document control will remain the duties of the police authority.

National security matters of airports and their countries will remain the police authority’s responsibilities.

The company’s duties will include cargo safety, mail control, overview of food supply on flights and the control of vehicles entering the airfield’s premises.

On the other hand, everything that relates to passport control, order and security, traffic monitoring and the conduction of screening of individuals passing through the airport as well as prevention and management of crises, remains the police authority’s area of control.

Upon approval from the Central Committee of Changes and Demands, 58 police members will become available to be used for the enhancement of airport and national security.

It is estimated that a total of 110 police force members will be freed from baggage control duties.”