Cyprus Police Museum: Unveiling Law Enforcement History

The Cyprus Police Museum, situated in Aglantzia, Nicosia, is dedicated to showcasing the history of law enforcement in Cyprus. Founded in 1933 as a Criminal Museum during the British colonial period, it has evolved into a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that narrate the story of policing on the island. In December 2004, the museum moved to a specially designed building near the Police Headquarters. The museum is divided into two main categories: policing and criminal history. The policing section features authentic uniforms, historical documents, vehicles, and equipment used by the Cyprus Police throughout the years. Visitors can view police arms, musical instruments of the Police Band, and a special snow-track vehicle used for operations in the Troodos Mountains. The criminal history section displays evidence from serious crimes of the past, offering insights into the development and detection of crime in Cyprus. Exhibits also include items and documents from significant periods in Cyprus's modern history, such as the 1955-1959 Liberation Struggle and World War II, including unexploded bombs dropped on Cyprus by Italian planes. Noteworthy exhibits include the personal belongings of notorious criminals and the escort motorcycle of Archbishop Makarios, gifted by U.S. President John Kennedy. The museum's oldest exhibits are two pistols dating back to the 17th century. The museum aims to continuously enrich its collection and welcomes contributions of relevant items, photographs, and documents.