Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus lawmakers are considering a bill to equip police officers with portable cameras on uniforms and tactical gear, with a vote expected next month. The House legal affairs committee also discussed installing cameras on police patrol cars to tackle crime.
Body cameras and patrol car cameras
The bill, discussed urgently by the House legal affairs committee on Wednesday, would provide for police officers to be outfitted with portable cameras on uniforms and tactical gear if it is passed into law by the plenum next month. MPs also discussed installing cameras on police patrol cars as part of efforts to crack down on crime.
Lawmakers cite crime and oversight aims
Deputy chairwoman of the committee, Disy MP Fotini Tsirides, said that organised crime, criminality and delinquency had increased, and that the House of Representatives was determined to provide police with tools to do their job. She said the committee convened right after receiving the bill and that it provides a clear and strict framework.
Tsirides said the bill’s advantages include transparency, control of behaviour on both sides, improved examination of cases in court, evidence collection, evaluation of police operations, officer safety, and objective documentation of alleged offences or crimes. She added that any constitutional hurdles had been overcome and that there appeared to be agreement to move forward.
Concerns raised about rights and safeguards
Diko MP Panikos Leonidou described the cameras as an important tool for police but raised questions about protecting individual freedoms. He said Diko wants the law to align with the Constitution and the EU charter and to ensure police do not abuse their power.
Police association welcomes proposal
Police association president Angelos Nicolaou welcomed the discussion, saying the cameras would help officers carry out their duties properly and justify their actions later. He said the body cameras would be activated when necessary and that a blinking light would alert people that they are being recorded.
What safeguards do you think should be included to protect individual freedoms while using police cameras?