Cypriot MP questions government on police surveillance and body-worn cameras

Member of Parliament for Limassol, Michalis Paraskevas, has formally addressed the Minister of Justice and Public Order regarding the status of surveillance systems within Cypriot police facilities and the rollout of new portable equipment. The inquiry seeks to clarify which police stations and detention centers are currently equipped with recording devices, requesting a breakdown of coverage by province. Furthermore, it demands a clear timeline for the installation of systems in facilities that currently lack them, while also questioning the legal framework for data storage and access rights for detainees, lawyers, and investigators.

In a separate but related parliamentary question, Paraskevas is seeking updates on the procurement and operational timeline for body-worn and vehicle-mounted cameras for police officers. The MP is requesting specific information regarding the total budget, the number of devices to be deployed, and the specific police units that will be equipped. A critical focus of the inquiry is the establishment of clear protocols for when officers are required to activate their cameras and the consequences for failing to adhere to these operational guidelines, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement procedures.