Cyprus to procure body cameras for police officers

The Cypriot Ministry of Justice and Public Order is set to issue a tender for the purchase of over 1,000 body-worn cameras for police officers. The initiative follows the passage of relevant legislation by the Parliament last March, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability during police operations. The total budget for the project is estimated at €2 million, covering both the hardware and the specialized software required to log and process recorded footage.

These cameras will be assigned primarily to front-line officers who maintain daily contact with the public. The primary objectives are to deter illegal activities, prevent arbitrary police conduct, and provide objective evidence for incidents to resolve disputes between citizens and law enforcement. Technical specifications for the tender have been finalized, and the official bidding process is expected to begin shortly. It is currently being determined whether the police will require a separate procurement process for the mounting vests or if these will be integrated into the existing equipment.