UN Police

The Mission

The United Nations Police (UNPOL) force has been part of UNFICYP since 14^th  April 1964, contributing to the maintenance and restoration of law and order in the buffer zone and supporting the military and the Civil Affairs Branch. 

The UNPOL component is headed by UNFICYP’s Senior Police Advisor, and comprises a Deputy Senior Police Advisor, 68 police officers from nine countries and one civilian support staff.

UNPOL works closely with UNFICYP’s Military and Civil Affairs components as part of a “three-pillar” concept, developed to maximize internal collaboration on all aspects of the Mission’s mandate.

UNPOL officers are based in UNFICYP Headquarters at the UNPA (United Nations Protected Area) and at eight police stations located in the buffer zone. Fifteen UNPOL officers work directly with the Civil Affairs Branch, mainly to assist in the return to normal conditions within the buffer zone.

UNPOL is a civilian police force. It is not a substitute police force as it does not administer the law or have powers of arrest or detention.

UNPOL police services include

•  Investigating criminal offences committed or suspected of having been committed by non-UN persons inside the buffer zone;
•  Providing support to UNFICYP by preserving public order during demonstrations and disturbances inside and adjacent to the buffer zone;
•  Resolving civil disputes between residents in the two communities in the buffer zone;
•  Maintaining law and order in the bi-communal village of Pyla, which is the only area in the buffer zone where both communities live together;
•  Controlling civilian access to the buffer zone;
•  Monitoring the crossing points between the north and the south;
•  Verifying permits for farming and building construction in the buffer zone;
•  Investigating illegal dumping of waste in the buffer zone;
•  Preventing hunting and bird trapping in the buffer zone;
•  Investigating of alleged illegal immigrants located within the buffer zone.
•  Maintaining regular liaison with relevant authorities in the north and south;
•  Facilitating Cypriot Police and “Turkish Cypriot Police” investigations inside the Buffer Zone.

Contributing Countries

Figures correct as of 14 August 2010.

Members of UNPOL are generally deployed for 6-12 month periods.