A pilot “tourist police” project launched in Iskele for patrols on the beach and promenade

On August 28, 2025, the General Police Department launched a pilot “tourist police” project in Iskele, covering the Makenzie Beach area and the coastal promenade. According to the police, the team consists of officers with foreign language skills and first aid training; they will patrol on foot and by bicycle.

The police report that the unit’s tasks include crime prevention, initial response to traffic and criminal incidents, document checks on suspicious individuals, and monitoring the legal status of foreign nationals in the TRNC. Persons whose behavior poses a threat or could lead to an offense will be removed from the area, followed by the necessary procedural actions. The team will also provide first aid in incidents at sea or along the coast.

Local residents interviewed by Gündem Kıbrıs generally welcomed the initiative and called for the project to be expanded to other areas of the island, expecting a reduction in crime in tourist zones. Among critics is former police officer Fuat Yakupoğluları, who noted that effectiveness would first require an increase in police numbers and internal organization.

For residents and tourists, this means increased patrols in coastal areas and more frequent document checks; when planning trips to coastal settlements, it is recommended to carry identification.