The Police issued a statement regarding the situation in police holding cells, in response to a news report concerning overcrowding in the cells.
As emphasized, the Police acknowledge that there is increased pressure due to the number of detainees and that, in specific cases, overcrowding issues arise.
“This situation is linked, among other things, to the intensification of police operations, the ongoing arrests for serious criminal offenses, as well as detention orders and court convictions,” the Police stated in a press release.
At the same time, it notes that “on the one hand, there cannot be a demand for increased policing, more operations, and a more effective response to crime, while at the same time ignoring the increased detention needs that inevitably lead to overcrowding in detention facilities.”
The police do not downplay the problem, the statement adds.
“In cooperation with the relevant authorities, we are taking measures within our means to better manage the situation, while respecting the rights and dignity of detainees, without, however, compromising public safety in any way.”
