The Police leadership has issued a directive to all officers, urging them to refrain from racial profiling practices during their duties, following a report by a European organisation on illegal racial profiling.
The memo was sent to the Director of the Crime Combating Department and all provincial police directors, outlining the definition of racial profiling and relevant legislation.
The memo emphasises that “the stopping, searching, and detention of any person based solely on their national origin or other distinctive characteristics is not permitted.” It further states that officers must respect and protect the dignity and rights of every person without prejudice or discrimination.
Referencing the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the memo defines racial profiling as the unjustified use of criteria such as race, colour, language, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin in police activities.
The directive details relevant sections of the Police Law and Criminal Procedure Law, specifying the circumstances under which officers may stop, detain, and search individuals or vehicles.
Police Order 3/38 is also cited, instructing officers to avoid mass, random checks on individuals with specific racial, religious, or national characteristics when searching for suspects.
The memo was drafted by Police Constable B’ and academic Dr Panagiotis Nicolaides, a member of the Cyprus Police with extensive experience in EU, Europol, and Interpol working groups.
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