Paphos coordinates public surveillance camera plan

Paphos, Cyprus. Paphos is coordinating an initiative to install surveillance cameras in public spaces to deter vandalism, protect public property and improve residents’ sense of safety.

The decision was taken at a meeting on Thursday involving district mayors and representatives of municipalities, communities and the district self-government organisation (EOA).

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Implementation steps

Paphos acting mayor Angelos Onisiforou said the municipality had undertaken to coordinate the effort and would write to Data Protection Commissioner Maria Christofidou while taking the required steps for implementation.

Christofidou said on Monday that municipalities may install security cameras in public spaces for safety and security purposes. Under the General Data Protection Regulation, they must first conduct a data protection impact assessment and submit it to the data protection authority.

Protection of public spaces

Onisiforou said the initiative aims to protect parks and public buildings and prevent vandalism and delinquent behaviour following a series of recent incidents across the district.

“Our aim is for the citizens to feel safe,” Onisiforou said.

He added that all Paphos municipalities supported advancing the initiative.

Existing camera network

The municipality of Paphos has already installed 55 cameras on smart poles in the city, with footage in many cases used by police, Onisiforou said.

“In this way we are creating policing throughout the city,” he said.

Papachristofi supported the installation of cameras to deter crime, including burglaries, theft and drug use, and said increased surveillance could also reduce pressure on police.