International Police Cooperation Sub-Directorate - National S.I.RE.N.E. Office - (Supplementary Information Requested at the National Entries)

Cyprus SIRENE Bureau

Cyprus SIRENE (Supplementary Information Requested at the National Entries) Bureau was set up in April 2005, by order of the Chief of the Police and is part of the “International Police Cooperation” Sub-Directorate, of the European Union and International Police Cooperation Directorate.

The Republic of Cyprus has decided to participate in the 2nd generation Schengen Information System-SIS II, which operated in the 1st quarter of January 2013 in Strasbourg. The National SIRENE Bureau therefore, has an obligation to become operational immediately after the evaluation of the Cyprus Republic in three aspects, including SIS/SIRENE. It will be staffed by members of the police and will have direct and 24-hour cooperation / communication with the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, MOKAS, Road Transport Department and Department of Customs and Excise, on matters of their competence.

The Schengen Information System works by maintaining a data basis on people, vehicles and property.

SIRENE accelerates law enforcement, with immediate benefits for policing, the maintenance of Law and Order as well as public safety within the European Union. Our participation in the SIS II and the operational function of the National SIRENE Office will bring the following positive results:

• No limitations to police enquiries and investigations
• Reduction in the movement of criminals, stolen goods and vehicles
• Locating persons and bringing them to justice
• Finding and identifying stolen property
• Tracking missing and / or wanted persons within Europe


The Schengen Convention

The Schengen Convention provides the right to free movement of persons, goods and services within the countries which implement the Convention, thereby eliminating internal borders. Cooperation between the Police, Customs, Judicial Authorities and Border Control Authorities of all Member States, is therefore necessary.
Under the provisions of the Schengen Convention and the aforementioned necessity, the database, called the "Schengen Information System" (SIS), was created and is in operation.


Schengen Information System (SIS)

The Schengen Information System "SIS" is the largest Interactive Database in Europe, for the Preservation of Public Security, Support of Police and Judicial Cooperation and Management of Controls at the External Borders of the Schengen Area. Today the S.I.S.II System and the SIRENE Bureaus, operate with great success in 30 states (26 EU member states and 4 associated non-EU countries, such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). This greatly helps the law enforcement authorities, as it ensures cooperation between them, to combat international crime and to maintain peace and security in the EU.

Member States shall contribute by entering to the system (ALERTS) and undertaking all the appropriate actions to be followed in case of a positive search (HIT) involving, wanted / sought or missing persons, stolen or lost property, identity documents and bans on entry to undesirable foreigners and prohibited migrants.