Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Police officers on patrol will be equipped with tablets connected to the force’s central information system from Monday, enabling real-time access to international databases for tracking fugitives and stolen items.
The digital tablets will provide officers with immediate access to international platforms, allowing them to identify internationally wanted fugitives and locate stolen vehicles and objects during field operations.
This development comes from an internal police memo obtained by Philenews.
Immediate database access without intermediaries
Officers serving on the front line will now conduct effective checks without needing to contact colleagues at stations or services for information about individuals under investigation. They will have direct access to all data concerning the person being checked, functioning as if they were sitting at a desktop computer connected to the central system.
The tablets enable police to conduct immediate on-site checks during patrols, traffic controls and incident investigations through the CY Patrol Check web application.
International database connectivity
The tablets are equipped with access to Interpol’s stop lists and alert lists, whilst also connecting to the Schengen Information System for stolen vehicles and objects. The technology represents a significant advancement for Cyprus Police, though similar equipment has been standard in international police forces for years.
Training completed ahead of launch
Police personnel have undergone training since July at the Police Academy for proper use of the equipment and installed software. These trained officers served as core trainers with a deadline until Friday to transfer their knowledge to all service personnel.
According to sources, measures were implemented from early August to ensure technology deployment from 1st September, following instructions from Chief of Police Themistocles Arnaouti sent through a senior officer to provincial police directors, the Immigration Service commander and the Traffic Department director.
Schengen integration assessment
The tablet system forms part of Cyprus’s “Mobile Policing” strategy, crucial for full integration into the Schengen zone. The European Commission will evaluate and monitor this mobile policing capability as a key criterion for the Republic’s zone integration.
Service heads using the tablets must provide reports to the deputy chief of police every 15 days, including numerical data on total checks conducted and their results.
Strategic planning context
Cyprus Police’s strategic plan for 2026-2028, finalised this summer and communicated to relevant personnel on 27th June 2025, includes six areas with “Integrated Border Management” as one key focus area.
The plan states: “Border management through Implementation of the National Strategy for Integrated Border Management and the Action Plan includes control to address irregular migration, illegal trafficking of persons, goods etc., as well as prevention of any violation of airspace/maritime space, with the participation and cooperation of all relevant EU services, third countries and international organisations”.
Modernisation efforts
Recent tenders demonstrate Cyprus Police’s modernisation drive, including Oracle licence procurement for passport control management, central system upgrades for Schengen N-SIS checks, network security equipment installation, 50 high-specification computers and monitors, 90 portable computers and printers, and the DIGIPOL platform for digitising police procedures.
Additional tenders focus on system evolution, maintenance and acquiring new technological capabilities.