Cyprus Police

This article is about the police service of the Republic of Cyprus. For the police service in Northern Cyprus, see Directorate General for Police.
Cyprus Police
Astinomia Kiprou
Αστυνομία Κύπρου
Kıbrıs Polisi

Cyprus Police Logo
Motto Ανθρώπινη και Υπερήφανη
Humane and Proud
Agency overview
Formed 1960
Legal personality Governmental: Government agency
Jurisdictional structure
National agency CY
Relief map of Cyprus
Above: Northern part of the island currently not policed by the Republic of Cyprus as it is under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus. Outlined in red is the UN buffer zone and outlined in blue are the areas of the British Sovereign Bases.
Below: Relief map of Cyprus showing mountains and sea. Red dot indicating capital and Headquarters location.
Size 9,251 km² total

Areas Cyprus Police does not operate in
3,355 km² occupied area (North)
346km² UN buffer zone
254km² British Sovereign Bases[1]
Population 838,897[2]
Primary governing body Republic of Cyprus
Secondary governing body Ministry of Justice and Public Order (Cyprus)
Constituting instruments
  • The Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus[3]
  • Police Law 73(I)2004[3]
  • Criminal Code Cap.154[3]
  • Criminal Procedure Law Cap.155[3]
  • Evidence Law Cap-9[3]
  • The Processing of Personal Data (Protection of the Individual) Law 138(1)/2001[3]
General nature
Operational structure
Overviewed by Government Agency Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints against the Police[4]
Headquarters Antistratigou Evaggelou Floraki Str., Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Police Officers 4359
914 special constables
721 firemen
(data taken on 31/01/2012)
Specialized posts 92 (data taken on 31/01/2012)
Minister responsible NICOLAOU Ionas[5]
Agency executive Zacharias Chrisostomou[6], Chief of Police
Facilities
Police Stations 50[7] excluding substations, offices, units etc.
Airbases 1[8]
Boats 5 Fast Sea Patrol Boats
5 Patrol Boats
6 Rigit Inflatable Boats[9]
Helicopters 2 Bell 412EP
2 AgustaWestland AW139[8]
Website
http://www.police.gov.cy/
Footnotes
Emergency Telephone Number 112 or 199
Citizen's Line 1460
Narcotics Line 1498
Hunter’s Line 1414
Fire report line 1407
Rescue Coordination Center 1441

The Cyprus Police (Greek: Αστυνομία Κύπρου, Turkish: Kıbrıs Polisi) is the only National Police Service of the Republic of Cyprus and is under the Ministry of Justice and Public Order since 1993.[10]

The duties and responsibilities of the Cyprus Police are set out in the amended Police Law (N.73(1)) of 2004 and include the maintenance of Law and Order, the prevention and detection of crime as well as arresting and bringing offenders to justice.[11]

History

Although the history of Law enforcement in Cyprus goes back to 1879 when the first Police Law was passed by the then British Colonial Government, which operated a mounted gendarmerie force known as the Cyprus Military Police, the history of the Cyprus Police begins with the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.

In 1960 two Public Security Forces were established within the framework of the Constitution: the Police Force, which was responsible for policing the urban areas, and the Gendarmerie, which was responsible for policing rural areas. A Greek-Cypriot Chief and a Turkish-Cypriot Chief administered the two Forces respectively.[12]

The two forces of the Police were joined to form the present police service during the year 1964, shortly after the intercommunal troubles between the Greek and the Turkish communities, as a result of which the Turkish Cypriot officers abandoned their posts.[10] Additionally the conflict created great problems for the Police, who had to handle the situation, along with the then sparsely manned Cypriot Army, because it was the only organized force.

With the creation of the Cypriot National Guard in 1964, the duties of military nature were transferred to the National Guard and the Police was limited back to its usual duties.[10]

Also notable is that a museum dedicated to the history of the Cyprus Police and Law enforcement in Cyprus in general exists, with a history of its own. The Cyprus Police Museum, owned by the Cyprus Police and managed by the Department A' of the Police Headquarters is open to the general public.

Authorities

The Cyprus Police operates and exercises its authorities throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus based on the following Laws and Regulations:[3]

The legal framework within which the Cyprus Police exists and operates is determined by the Constitution, Police Law Cap.285 and other laws that provide the authority for investigation, detention, arrest, questioning and prosecution of offenders of the Law.

Structure and organization

The structure and organization of the Cyprus Police is governed by Police Ordinance 1/10 and is formed as stated below:[14]

Headquarters

The Police Headquarters is divided into different Departments/Directorates/Services and Units, each specializing in a different field/aspect of policing.

Departments

Directorates

Services

Units

Divisions

The Cyprus Police has one Division for each district of Cyprus. Under this divisions are the Police Stations but also within each Police Division, branches can be created similar to the branches of the Police Headquarters. For example, there is a Headquarters Drug Law Enforcement Service but also a Nicosia, Limassol etc. Drug Law Enforcement Service. Other examples include Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.)- Nicosia, Limassol etc. C.I.D. and Headquarters Traffic Department - Nicosia, Limassol etc. Traffic Department . The difference is that the Headquarters units/services etc. operate throughout the territory of the Cyprus Republic while the divisional(provincial) units/services operate mostly within the District that are located.[15]

Because the Cyprus Fire Service is part of the Police in Cyprus, it is listed as a division of the Police with nationwide jurisdiction.[16]

Because of the Turkish invasion and continuing occupation, the Police Divisional Headquarters of Famagusta and Morphou are temporarily housed in Paralimni and Evrychou respectively, while the Kyrenia Police Division has temporarily suspended its operation.[16]

Personnel

Ranks and insignia

Below is a table showing the Cyprus police ranks in hierarchical order along with their identification markings and insignia.[17]

Title in Greek Title Epaulette Sleeve Shirt colour Group
Αρχηγός Chief of Police
Two crossed police
batons in Laurel wreath
a star and the
Cyprus Coat of arms
----------
 White Ηighest
Αdministrative
Αuthority
(Senior
Officers)
Υπαρχηγός Deputy Chief of Police
Two crossed police
batons in Laurel wreath
and a star
----------
Βοηθός Αρχηγός Assistant Chief of Police
Two crossed police
batons in Laurel wreath
----------
Ανώτερος Αστυνόμος Chief Superintendent
Two stars and
Cyprus Coat of arms
----------
 Senior
Officers
Αστυνόμος Α' Superintendent A'
One star and
Cyprus Coat of arms
----------
Αστυνόμος Β' Superintendent B'
Cyprus Coat of arms
----------
Ανώτερος Υπαστυνόμος Chief Inspector
Three Stars
----------
 Officers
Υπαστυνόμος Inspector
Two Stars
----------
Αρχιλοχίας Senior Sergeant
Identification number
Three chevrons with
Police emblem on top
 Light Blue
Λοχίας Sergeant
Identification number
Three chevrons
Αναπληρωτής Λοχίας
Αρχιαστυφύλακας		 Acting Sergeant
Senior Constable
Identification number
Two chevrons with
Police emblem on top
Αναπληρωτής Λοχίας Acting Sergeant
Identification number
Two chevrons
Αρχιαστυφύλακας Senior Constable
Identification number
One chevron with
Police emblem on top
Αστυφύλακας Constable
Identification number
----------
Ειδικός Αστυφύλακας Special Constable
Identification number with
a yellow line on each
side along the epaulette
----------

Special Constable

Special Constables are recruited separately from regular Constables and in accordance with Article 39 of the Police Law (N.73 (I) / 2004) they are recruited for clerical and auxiliary duties, guard duties of publicly owned buildings and facilities, VIPs and foreign missions protection and for the delivery and execution of court orders and / or any other orders.[13]

Article 41 of the Police Law (N.73 (I) / 2004) states that any Special Constable appointed under this Act, shall perform the duties assigned to him and, in the exercise of his duties, has same powers, the same privileges, the same protection and is subject to the same penalties and to the same principles as regular Constables.[13]

Special Constables are usually referred to as "Special", even in Greek, and rarely as "Ειδικοί" (usually in more formal references) which is short for the Greek title "Ειδικός Αστυφύλακας". The curriculum of Special Constables at the Police Academy is less than the curriculum of regular Constables and also shorter in duration. The pay grade that the Special Constables enter the Police is lower in relation to the pay grade that the regular Constables enter.

A Special Constable cannot be "promoted to a regular Constable". Instead Special Constables wishing to enter the Cyprus Police as regular Constables have to go through the same recruitment process as anyone else, including any written or physical condition exams, irrelevant of the years that they have been already working in the Cyprus Police and irrelevant of the fact that they might be transferred after completion of their training as regular Constables back to the position they were serving as Special Constables. An exception on the age of entry was made for Special Constables that were already serving in the Police before the enforcement of Police Law of 2004. The enrolment age restrictions for regular Constables, applies to Special Constables wishing to enroll as regular Constables if they were recruited after the date that the Police Law of 2004 was enforced.[13]

Constable

Constable is the entry rank in the Cyprus Police. This rank represents the largest percentage of Police Officers serving in the Cyprus Police. All Police Officers begin their careers at this rank (with the exception of the specialized personnel that enter the Police under a different agreement).

Senior Constable

A Senior Constable is not considered a promotion. Senior Constables are Constables assigned duties higher to their rank level, they are called Senior Constables and bear the distinctive insignia. To become a Senior Constable a Constable must meet the following requirements:[18]

  1. They have completed 12 years of service and have passed the examination for promotion to the rank of Sergeant
  2. During the last two years they have not been imposed with a penalty greater than "severe reprimand" for a disciplinary offence and
  3. they have been recommended by the officer in charge of their Unit as suitable and well trained in police duties

Acting Sergeant / Acting Sergeant Senior Constable

Under Regulation 213/2004, the Chief of Police may, at any time he considers that the needs of the service so require for a short period of time, to select any Constable who is qualified for promotion to Sergeant and assign him to Sergeant duties for a period not exceeding three months but in no event exceeding for the same person a total of two years. Such a person is called Acting Sergeant. After this time period ends, this person reverts to the rank of Constable or Senior Constable respectively, depending on what he was before his assignment as Acting Sergeant. Before the implementation of Regulation 213/2004 this appointment was permanent and not temporary.[19]

Sergeant

Sergeant is the first rank a Constable is promoted to. Usually sergeants are in charge of a specific shift at a Police Station, a squad or a small team.

Senior Sergeant

A Senior Sergeant is not considered a promotion. Senior Sergeants are Sergeants assigned duties higher to their rank level, they are called Senior Sergeants and bear the distinctive insignia. To become a Senior Sergeant a Sergeant must meet the following requirements:[18]

  1. They have completed 8 years of service at the rank of Sergeant and have passed the examination for promotion to the rank of Inspector
  2. During the last two years they have not been imposed with a penalty greater than "severe reprimand" for a disciplinary offence and
  3. they have been recommended by the officer in charge of their Unit as suitable and well trained in police duties

Education and training

All police constables(PCs) have to attend a three-year course at the Cyprus Police Academy, which is recognized as a higher education institution.[20] The course alternates between theory at the Police Academy and practical training in the field. Special police constables (SPCs) also attend the police academy for a seventeen-week course. All PCs and SPCs, as part of their training attend the Special Training Center of the Emergency Response Unit for firearms training and other physical forms of training.[21]

The highly variable field of law enforcement demands and highly promotes continuing education. For this reason police officers of all ranks continue attending courses throughout their careers. Such courses are conducted by the Cyprus Police Academy[21] or by foreign training agencies such as the FBI National Academy and the National Security School of the Greek Police Academy. The duration of these courses is from a couple of days, up to several months or in some cases more than a year. To assist cross-border common training, exist the Cyprus Police is a member of many international programs and agencies, for example CEPOL.

Equipment

Vehicles

Markings

Cyprus Police cars are white with a blue stripe that goes around the car. On both sides they have printed on them the words POLICE and ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΙΑ, which means Police in Greek. They also have the logo of the Cyprus Police, usually on the front doors and also have printed on them the Police’s website www.police.gov.cy. An exception to this is some of the cars used by the Neighbourhood Police that have the Neighbourhood Police logo instead of the Cyprus Police Logo. On the front part of the car they have again the logo with the words POLICE and ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΙΑ and at the back they could have, depending on the model of the car and the space available, the words Police in Greek and English or just the Cyprus Police insignia or both. On the roof they have printed a distinct number for each one as aerial roof markings.

In 2011 a trial version for new markings was used on an old Opel Vectra patrol car. These were half-Battenburg markings with a highly reflective blue-yellow stripe on the sides instead of the solid blue stripe. Additionally the back was covered in reflective yellow-red diagonal stripes and had printed the emergency phone number 112. The front part on the hood of the car had the words ΑΣΤΥΝΟΜΙΑ and POLICE printed inverted so that they would appear correctly when seen through a mirror. These markings were not enforced.

In 2012 new markings were enforced were the blue stripe although still solid was replaced with a highly reflective one, and the rear horizontal line was replaced from a solid blue stripe to a blue-white diagonal line similar to the rear usually found on vehicles with Battenburg markings.

The Cyprus Police also uses unmarked vehicles. Unmarked vehicles are not necessarily covert to be used for undercover work. Most unmarked cars are the same models as the patrol cars and they are mostly used by plain clothed officers such as crime investigators, crime prevention squads, technicians etc. Most of these cars are fitted with sirens and can be seen in the streets with detachable strobe lights.

Lists of vehicles

List of vehicles used by Cyprus Police (past and present)
Year entered
service*		 Vehicle Photo Manufacturer Production
Model		 Engine Purpose Notes
2000
Toyota Landcruiser JapanToyota
3.0L Diesel
Multi-purpose car
2001
Opel VectraGermanyOpel
2.6L V6
Multi-purpose car
Peugeot 406 FrancePeugeot
Multi-purpose car
Renault Laguna FranceRenault
Multi-purpose car
Renault MeganeFranceRenault
Multi-purpose car
2004
Prinoth Husky ItalyPrinoth
Snow Trac
Honda CR-V JapanHonda
Multi-purpose car
Isuzu TrooperJapanIsuzu
Multi-purpose car
2007
Mazda3JapanMazda
Multi-purpose car
Peugeot Boxer FrancePeugeot
Support
Ford TransitGermanyFord
Support
Renault TraficFranceRenault
Support
Renault MasterFranceRenault
Support
Nissan PathfinderJapanNissan
2.5 TD
Multi-purpose car
Mitsubishi PajeroJapanMitsubishi
3.2 Di-D
Multi-purpose car
2008
Kia MagentisSouth KoreaKia
Multi-purpose car
2009[22]
Chevrolet MatizSouth KoreaChevrolet
Neighbourhood Police
Kia Rio South KoreaKia
Multi-purpose car
Isuzu D-Max JapanIsuzu
Support
Ford Focus GermanyFord
Multi-purpose car
2010
Ford Mondeo GermanyFord
Multi-purpose car
2012
Ford Mondeo GermanyFord
Multi-purpose car

*Unless specifically referenced, the dates the vehicles entered service are based on their license plate registration numbers

List of Motorcycles used by Cyprus Police (past and present)
Year entered
service*		 Motorcycle Photo Manufacturer Production
Model		 Engine Purpose Notes
Honda CBX750
JapanHonda
750cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
Suzuki GSX 750P
JapanSuzuki
750cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
Honda Pan-European
JapanHonda
1100cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
Suzuki GSX-R1000
JapanSuzuki
1000cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
Suzuki V-Strom 1000
JapanSuzuki
1000cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
KTM 640 Adventure
AustriaKTM
625cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
BMW C1
GermanyBMW
Neighbourhood Police
Honda CBR1000RR
JapanHonda
1000cc
Traffic/Response vehicle
Honda Varadero
JapanHonda
1000cc
Traffic/Response vehicle

*Unless specifically referenced, the dates the vehicles entered service are based on their license plate registration numbers

Aerial vehicles

Boats

Firearms

All police officers in the Cyprus Police are trained in the use of both pistols and Submachine guns as part of their basic training.[21] Although there is an array of different firearms and ammunition types in use in the Cyprus Police, ranging from Shotguns to Machine guns, the most commonly used firearms are the Heckler & Koch USP and the Heckler & Koch MP5.

List of firearms used by Cyprus Police (past and present)
Year entered
service		 Name Photo Manufacturer Caliber Type Notes
Smith & Wesson Model 60
United StatesSmith & Wesson
.38
RevolverNo longer used
Browning Hi-Power
BelgiumFN Herstal
9mm
Semi-automatic pistolLimited Use
CZ Model 75
Czech RepublicČeská zbrojovka
9mm
Semi-automatic pistolNo longer used
Heckler & Koch USP
GermanyHeckler & Koch
9mm
Semi-automatic pistolCommonly Used
SIG Sauer P226
GermanySIG Sauer
9mm
Semi-automatic pistolLimited Use
Glock
AustriaGlock Ges.m.b.H.
9mm
Semi-automatic pistolLimited Use
Heckler & Koch MP5
GermanyHeckler & Koch
9mm
Submachine gunCommonly Used
vz. 58
Czech RepublicČeská zbrojovka
7.62mm
Assault rifleNo longer used
AK-47
Soviet UnionIzhmash
7.62mm
Assault rifleLimited Use

The firearm photos in the table are not to scale

Police cars in Limassol during Carnival parade 
Cyprus Police Aviation Unit Bell 412EP participating in fire fighting efforts in Israel, during the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire 
Cyprus Police Aviation Unit Bell 412EP 
Cyprus Port and Marine Police jet F.P.B. (Fast sea Patrol Boat) 
Cyprus Port and Marine Police R.I.B. (Rigid Inflatable Boat) 

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cyprus Police.

References

  1. ↑ List of countries and outlying territories by total area#cite note-60
  2. ↑ Cyprus Republic Statistical Service "Announcements". 23 December 2011. Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cyprus Police Official Website "Police Authorities". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  4. ↑ IAIACAP Official Website "Welcome Page". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  5. ↑ Ministry of Justice and Public Order "Minister's CV". Retrieved 8 Jul 2013.
  6. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website "Chief of Police CV". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  7. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website "Useful Telephones". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  8. 1 2 Cyprus Police Official Website "Cyprus Police Aviation Unit". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  9. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website "Police Border Marine". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 Cyprus Government Web Portal"Defence - Security - Police". Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  11. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website"Mission". Retrieved 26 July 2012.
  12. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website"Historical Background". Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Police Law (N.73(I)/2004)Ο Περί Αστυνομίας Νόμος του 2004 (73(I)/2004) (in Greek), 2004
  14. ↑ Police Ordinance 1/10 Οργάνωση της Αστυνομίας και Καθήκοντα των Μελών της (in Greek), Cyprus Police, 6 April 2012, p. 21
  15. ↑ Cyprus Police Official Website "Nicosia Police Division". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  16. 1 2 Cyprus Police Official Website "Composition". Retrieved 31 Jan 2012.
  17. ↑ http://www.cyprusdriving.net"PoliceRankInsignia".Retrieved26July2012. 
  18. 1 2 Regulation 51/1989 - Κανονιστική Διοικητική Πράξη 51/1989
  19. ↑ Regulation 213/2004 - Κανονιστική Διοικητική Πράξη 213/2004
  20. ↑ KY.S.A.T.S. Website ΚΥΠΡΟΣ (Αναγνωρισμένα Ιδρύματα) (in Greek). Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  21. 1 2 3 Cyprus Police"Οδηγός Σπουδών" (Press release). Αστυνομική Ακαδημία Κύπρου. 2009. p. 40. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  22. ↑ Politis Sports"H CHEVROLET ΣΥΜΒΑΛΛΕΙ ΣΤΟ ΘΕΣΜΟ Matiz, "Αστυνομικός της Γειτονιάς!"". Politis. 21 January 2009. Retrieved 12 Sep 2012.
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