Body cameras for Cyprus police officers remain some way off, with technical specifications still being drafted and a procurement tender yet to be launched, raising doubt over whether the legislation enabling their use will come into force within 2026.
Parliament passed the body camera law on March 26, 2026, as a joint initiative of the Justice Ministry and Cyprus Police aimed at deterring malicious complaints against officers, protecting citizens from police misconduct, and strengthening evidence in criminal cases. According to information obtained by Phileleftheros, technical specifications are now being drawn up and an assessment of police needs is under way before a tender can be published.
Cost is also a factor in determining the rollout. It has yet to be decided which departments will require officers to carry cameras, though each directorate is expected to have cameras available for officers deployed at matches, public events, and similar operations.
Under the legislation, cameras may be activated during the arrest or search of a person, a pursuit, the stopping of a person or vehicle for search, or when reporting an offence. They must also be switched on when entering premises for a search, on arrival at a crime scene, and during riots or mass violent incidents.
For a recording to be lawful, the subject must be informed immediately after the camera is activated. Cameras must emit a visible light signal to alert the public that they are in use, and the officer must state the date, time, and location both at the start and end of the recording.
Footage not connected to any offence will be destroyed under a policy set by the Police Chief with the agreement of the relevant police director or unit commander. The material must be destroyed within three months of approval being given for its destruction and, in any case, no later than six months after it was recorded.
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