In this second conversation with Chief Constable Steve Jupp, the focus shifts to the day-to-day reality of policing the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus during a period of regional instability and major organisational change. Steve explains how recent global events, including conflict in the Middle East, have directly shaped policing on the island, from reassurance patrols and armed deployments to working with evacuated communities and maintaining public confidence.
The interview also looks at the makeup of the force, its cross-community workforce, and the scale of the change programme now underway. From Turkish Cypriot officers crossing the island daily to serve, to a major new operating system and wider leadership reforms, Steve reflects on what makes the role unusual, what has surprised him most, and why Cyprus has been both a professionally demanding and personally life-enriching posting
Key takeaways
- Steve Jupp says there is rarely a normal day policing the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.
- A major theme is how global instability in the Middle East has had direct effects on policing in Cyprus.
- The force has had to adapt its policing stance, including more armed response and reassurance patrols.
- Steve says whole towns have been temporarily emptied and then patrolled to protect property and reassure residents.
- The force is made up mostly of Greek Cypriot staff, with around 40 Turkish Cypriot officers also serving.
- Turkish Cypriot colleagues often cross the island daily to work in the Sovereign Base Areas.
- A major change programme is now underway, including leadership work and a new force operating system.
- Steve says the role has been not only professionally rewarding but personally life-changing too.
Chapters
00:31 – Policing Cyprus in a tense global moment
01:36 – Why there is no normal day in Cyprus
02:20 – The reality of reassurance and armed response
04:59 – Who makes up the force
07:18 – Working with other Overseas Territories
09:07 – A major force change programme
10:56 – A new force operating system
11:39 – What surprised Steve most about Cyprus
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