MPs put police, prisons under microscope after escaped convict

There is a glaring gap in training and security protocols for the prison service and police officers, which became all the more apparent after convict Doros Theofanous last month escaped under guard during a home visit, MPs heard on Wednesday.

The subject was discussed during the House legal affairs committee, after it was tabled when MPs sought answers as to how Theofanous managed to get away from a seven-member security detail made up of police officers and prison guards during a visit to his family home in a Paphos village.

“The existing police structure is inadequate,” newly appointed deputy police chief Panicos Stavrou said. Currently, the force is collaborating with the prison to establish the responsibilities of every officer “so as not to have a repeat incident after what happened.”

Already, Stavrou has met with newly appointed deputy prison director Constantinos Constantinides to spearhead the creation of a new protocol of cooperation.

“We need to demonstrate the necessary professionalism,” the police association rep said, underlining the protocol surrounding home visits and the security around it had gaps.

Stavrou told MPs that a disciplinary investigation is underway over how police handled the incident.

Following the debacle over Theofanous’ escape, the police chief, his deputy and deputy prison director were all fired.

Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told MPs the law over prisons dates back to 1996 – and may be subject to some revisions.

After the incident, the new prison management has been tasked with updating the protocol surrounding security details, he said during the committee session.

Hartsiotis added the prison board was also asked to advise on corrective measures so as to avoid repeat incidents.

These will all shape revisions to the 1996 law, he specified.

Updating the law is part of Cyprus’ requirements expressed by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture, as well as Supreme Court decision which require a change in the regulations of how long someone should serve time before they are allowed permission for a temporary prison exit.

Constantinides said he was exploring the possibility of establishing a special team involved in escorting convicts, who would be specially trained and evaluated.

Similarly, a representative from the ombudswoman’s office Kyriacos Kyriacou said every convict’s request for leave should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.