Cyprus proposes fast-track police disciplinary hearings and immediate appeal rights

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus is preparing changes to disciplinary procedures for police officers, including fast-track hearings for minor offences, an immediate right of appeal and mandatory dismissal or compulsory retirement when an officer receives a prison sentence for a criminal offence.

The draft regulations, prepared by the police and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, have been put out for public consultation.

Disciplinary procedure changes

The proposed regulations are intended to speed up disciplinary proceedings, remove disincentives that encourage officers to pursue lengthy procedures to preserve appeal rights, and establish a central disciplinary record for officers who have faced proceedings.

They are aimed at improving and strengthening disciplinary procedures within Cyprus Police as part of implementing recommendation xxii of the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption, GRECO.

Summary procedure

A key proposed change concerns Regulation 25. Specific disciplinary offences considered less serious could be designated in advance by police order and handled through a simpler summary procedure.

The relevant Assistant Chief of Police would retain the authority to refer a case to the full disciplinary process because of the seriousness of the offence or the circumstances in which it was committed.

Under the summary procedure, the Police Director would notify the officer of the alleged offence and the prima facie case, allow the officer to be heard and then issue a decision.

An officer found guilty could be fined up to €500 or receive a lesser penalty. If an officer disputes the report or allegation, the case would be referred to the relevant Assistant Chief of Police for investigation through the full disciplinary procedure.

Appeal rights

Regulation 28(1) would be amended to allow an officer penalised through the summary procedure to appeal to the Appeals Board within 14 days of notification.