Retired police officers support the police in Northern Cyprus

The Association of Former Police Officers of Northern Cyprus (EMPOLDER) visited Police Headquarters, declaring its full support for the Police Directorate and its work. Association chairman Birol Atasü stated that claims of rising crime and that the country’s residents no longer feel safe do not, in his view, correspond to actual crime data and public sentiment. He noted that, according to police data, the crime clearance rate stands at 99.13%. According to Atasü, this is an exceptionally high figure, yet the police are nevertheless subjected to unfair criticism.

Against the backdrop of population growth and an increase in the number of vehicles, police officers continue to ensure public safety with the current staffing levels, he noted. Atasü also called for the number of police officers to be urgently increased to 4,500 and for the department to be strengthened technologically.

According to the association chairman, former police officers are in constant contact with the public and hear positive feedback about the work of serving police officers. He thanked all police officers for their work.

Northern Cyprus Director General of Police Ali Adalier stated that the police carefully examine every crime and continue working to improve public safety. He also noted that, according to public opinion polls, the police are among the country’s most trusted government institutions.

Adalier stated that crime data also show that Northern Cyprus remains one of the safest countries in the region.