The Cyprus Police (, ), is the national police service of the Republic of Cyprus, falling under the Ministry of Justice and Public Order since 1993.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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:
The Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus
Police Law (N.73(I)/2004) Police Regulations Police Standing Orders Criminal Code Cap.154 Criminal Procedure Law Cap.155 Evidence Law Cap-9 The Processing of Personal Data (Protection of the Individual) Law 138(1)/2001
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 organisation
The structure and organisation of the Cyprus Police is governed by Police Ordinance 1/10 and is formed as stated below:
Headquarters
The Police Headquarters is divided into different Departments/Directorates/Services and Units, each specializing in a different field/aspect of policing.
Departments
Department A' (Administration) Department B' (Traffic, Transport) Department C' (Criminal Investigations, Prosecutors) Department D' (Scientific & Technical Support) Research and Development Department
Directorates
European Union & International Police Cooperation Directorate
Materials & Supplies Management Directorate
Airports Security Directorate
Finance Directorate
Directorate of Professional Standards
Services
Aliens & Immigration Service
Drug Law Enforcement Service
Forensic Investigations Service
Audit & Inspection Service
Central Intelligence Service
Units
Cyprus Police Academy
Emergency Response Unit
Presidential Guard Unit
Port & Marine Police
Cyprus Police Aviation Unit (Previously named Police Air Wing)