Police in Cyprus have equipped patrol officers with tablets as part of a technological upgrade designed to support the country’s bid for full Schengen zone integration.
The tablets, connected to the Police’s central information system, will provide officers with direct access to international platforms including Interpol databases and the Schengen Information System for stolen vehicles and objects, according to an internal police memo obtained by Phileleftheros.
Officers conducting patrols, traffic stops and incident investigations will be able to perform immediate on-site checks without contacting colleagues at stations for information verification. The system grants field personnel the same database access available at desktop computers within police facilities.
Tablets provide direct access to Interpol and Schengen databases
The tablets feature the CY Patrol Check web application, enabling officers to identify individuals on Interpol’s stop lists and alert lists whilst accessing the Schengen Information System for information about stolen vehicles and objects.
The technology represents a significant advancement for Cyprus Police, bringing the force in line with international counterparts who have operated similar systems for years.
Police training on the equipment and installed software commenced in July at the Police Academy. Trained officers served as instructors, with a deadline of Friday to complete knowledge transfer to all service personnel.
Training programme completed ahead of September launch
A senior police officer sent instructions on behalf of Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis to ensure all necessary preparations met predetermined schedules. Recipients included provincial police directors, the Immigration Service commander and the Traffic Department director.
The tablet deployment forms part of “Mobile Policing” initiatives critical to Cyprus’s full Schengen zone integration, which remains under evaluation and monitoring by the European Commission.
Service heads using the tablets must submit reports to the relevant Assistant Police Chief every 15 days, providing numerical data on total checks conducted and their outcomes.
Technology deployment linked to Schengen zone integration
Police’s strategic plan for 2026-2028, finalised in summer 2025 and communicated to relevant personnel on 27 June, includes explicit references to the Schengen Treaty and Cyprus’s integration efforts.
The plan encompasses six areas, including “Integrated Border Management” covering external border management of the Republic of Cyprus.
Recent procurement activities demonstrate the force’s modernisation efforts, including Oracle licence acquisitions for passport control systems, central system upgrades for Schengen N-SIS controls, and network security equipment installation.
Additional tenders include 50 computers with advanced specifications, 90 portable computers and 90 portable printers, plus development of DIGIPOL, an integrated platform for digitising police procedures.
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