Cabinet approves measures to strengthen MMAD

The cabinet approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening the police’s Motorised Immediate Action Unit (MMAD), including the introduction of a points-based system favouring candidates with special forces backgrounds.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting at the presidential palace, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said the decision recognises the unit’s contribution to combating crime and seeks to enhance its operational capacity.

Under the new framework, additional points will be awarded to candidates who have served in the special forces of the National Guard, including commandos, navy seals, military police, as well as trained border guards whose contracts with the police have expired.

In a statement, the justice ministry described the decision as part of a broader effort to reorganise and reinforce MMAD.

“The decision falls within the framework of strengthening the operational readiness of the police, with the aim of faster and more effective response to high-risk incidents and the enhancement of citizens’ sense of security,” it said.

The measures include a restructuring of MMAD with a modern operational framework and unified coordination, as well as the introduction of specialised criteria for staffing the unit, aimed at selecting personnel with a high level of operational readiness.

They also include provisions for the recruitment of special police officers exclusively for MMAD, with enhanced qualifications, and the establishment of MMAD units in every district to improve immediate response at the local level.

The overall strength of the unit will also be increased to meet modern operational demands.

According to the ministry, the need to upgrade MMAD arises from an increasingly complex security environment requiring speed, flexibility and specialised responses to critical situations.

Following approval of the proposal, the justice ministry will proceed with the establishment of a legislative drafting committee tasked with preparing the necessary legal framework to ensure full implementation of the decision.