Newsroom
Cyprus is putting more cops on the beat, literally, as the government expands its ''Neighborhood Police Officer'' program by 50%.
Starting today, 17 new officers are joining the scheme, bringing the total to 51. They’ll be spread across neighborhoods around the island, keeping an eye out, answering questions, and getting to know the people they serve.
The program, which started in 2003, isn’t about writing tickets or chasing criminals, at least not first. It’s about visibility, trust, and making sure residents have someone approachable to turn to. Officials say the idea is simple: build relationships so that crime prevention happens naturally, before problems escalate.
Neighborhood officers are part of a wider community policing approach that also includes bicycle patrols, an animal unit, and the Neighborhood Watch. Together, they’re designed to make police more connected to the communities they serve.
Authorities describe this new wave of officers as the first step in a bigger modernization plan for Cyprus’ police force.
For locals, it could mean more familiar faces on their streets and a direct line to someone who actually knows the neighborhood, hopefully stopping trouble before it starts.
