Cyprus Integrity Forum suppoting police in fight against corruption

A Cyprus Integrity Forum (CIF) delegation recently met with the leadership of the Cyprus Police, at Police Headquarters.

During the Wednesday, 21 May 21, meeting, CIF was represented by Board Chairman Marios Skandalis, and Board member and Business Integrity Forum head, Rovertos Yiousellis.

On the Police side, Chief of Police Themistos Arnaoutis participated, accompanied by senior executives of the force, including the Director of the Police Academy, the Director of Strategy and Change Management, the Director of the Internal Audit Unit, as well as the Head of the Professional Standards & Inspection Directorate.

During the meeting, combating corruption wherever it comes from, through the adoption and implementation of modern and effective mechanisms for preventing and identifying corruption phenomena, both within the Police Force and more broadly in society, was emphasised as a priority of the Police's new leadership.

The Police Administration informed the CIF delegation about the important measures and actions taken to strengthen the culture and combat corruption, both within and outside the Police, and views were exchanged regarding the areas in which the CIF can assist.

In this context, the Police is launching the adoption of the international standard ISO 37001 for the prevention and fight against corruption, with CIF's support and know-how.

At the same time, the need for closer cooperation and coordination between the Police and the CIF was confirmed, towards enhancing transparency and strengthening citizens' trust in State institutions.

Particular emphasis was placed on promoting the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the two organisations, with proposals for expanding joint actions, such as:

• Specialised training of students and senior police officers and trainers by CIF experts,
• Co-organisation of workshops on topics related to corruption, to inform society,
• Collaboration to strengthen and optimise the implementation framework regarding whistleblowing and whistleblower protection,
• Provision of advisory services and expertise to individual Police departments.

On his part, the Chief of Police suggested the appointment of a liaison officer for the monitoring and effective implementation of the agreed actions, as well as for the formulation of a comprehensive action plan.

The meeting took place in a particularly positive and constructive atmosphere, confirming the firm common will for continued cooperation and the promotion of transparency and integrity in Cypriot society, a CIF announcement noted.