The mental state of police officers and their carrying of firearms have come to the forefront following the attempted femicide that took place on Tuesday morning in Zakaki, when a police officer shot his wife and then took his own life.

Speaking on the Alpha News program, Police Headquarters Spokesperson Byron Vyronos assured viewers that if a review of the regulations is necessary, it will be carried out.

“There are regulations; there are institutional frameworks that the police follow when handling firearms. We are professionals; the police operate within frameworks and regulations, which we are all required to follow.”

When asked whether improvements to regulations and procedures are being made, Mr. Vyronos replied that they are reassessed at regular intervals, and where improvements are needed, they are implemented.

“Let the investigation be completed, let us have all the facts before us, and then, if there is anything that can be corrected, it will be.”

Regarding psychometric tests, he states that they were introduced as a “very good measure” during the hiring process, noting that checks continue to be conducted and certain members are referred for further evaluation if it is determined that they may be facing any issues, for further police investigations, and measures are taken on an ongoing basis. 

“We’re not just saying this for the sake of it. On a daily basis, we constantly conduct evaluations and make improvements or correct any irregularities that may exist.”

When asked whether an investigation would be conducted into the fact that the police officer was on duty when he committed the attempted femicide, he stated that if any additional investigation is necessary, it will be conducted.

Nikos Loizidis, President of the Police Branch of the pan-Cypriot union “Isotita,” recalled the three categories of firearms permits that exist within the police force.

Read also: How often do police officers undergo testing: Psychometric tests, “sharp minds,” and the three categories of firearms authorization

When a person is recruited into the police force, psychometric tests are conducted to assess their personality profile; “Equality” maintains that this is not sufficient.

Dr. Mikelides advocates for additional tests, such as a clinical interview to determine whether there are any mental health issues, given that these are individuals who are exposed daily to events that affect their mental health.

When asked about carrying a weapon while on duty, Mr. Loizidis he explained that police officers are issued a firearm and the time is logged; while on duty, they are entitled to carry it with them even if they stop at a kiosk or go to get a coffee. The same applies to the assignment of a patrol car.

Lawyer Andreas Christou explains that the instrument used to commit a crime cannot prove whether a crime was premeditated; rather, this conclusion is drawn from other evidence uncovered during the police investigation. He agreed that those who carry weapons should be frequently evaluated using scientific psychometric tools rather than ad hoc procedures, to ensure their proper use.

He noted that in cases of domestic violence, the police take preventive action by immediately confiscating all types of weapons from the home of a person who has been reported.