UCLan Cyprus signs innovative policing partnership

2 April 2017

Memorandum of Cooperation signed on campus with Sovereign Base Areas Police Service

The University of Central Lancashire’s longstanding reputation for delivering criminal justice practitioners with a range of tailored services has led to an innovative new partnership at UCLan Cyprus. 

At a signing ceremony, held at the Cyprus Campus on 30 March, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed between the Sovereign Base Areas Police Service (SBA Police Service) and the University.

The landmark agreement provides the framework for future collaboration between UCLan Cyprus and the SBA Police Service in the areas of education, community and social engagement.

There will be a specific focus on the delivery of continuous professional development programmes to the SBA Police Service through specialised modules or seminars, and co-operation in the organisation of community and social engagement activities in Cyprus.

Rector of UCLan Cyprus, Professor Melinda Tan and the Deputy Chief Constable of the Sovereign Base Areas Police Service, Mr Murray Duffin, signed the formal agreement.

"We’re delighted to sign this agreement which signifies our commitment to work together with the Sovereign Base Areas Police Service in a mutually beneficial partnership."

Commenting on the initiative Professor Tan said:  “We’re delighted to sign this agreement which signifies our commitment to work together with the Sovereign Base Areas Police Service in a mutually beneficial partnership.

“We are fully committed in putting into practice our UCLan values of equality of opportunity and supporting the rights and freedom of our diverse community. We are looking forward to working with the SBA Police Service to inspire positive change while working with those from all walks of life to enable them to achieve their full potential.

“During their visit our police delegation toured the campus, met staff and students and viewed our facilities.  We are eager to welcome the SBAS staff back to the University when they begin their academic programmes in September.”  

Although funded totally by the Ministry of Defence, the SBA Police is an independent Police Service with jurisdiction under Sovereign Base Areas law and are not connected with the Ministry of Defence Police. With the exception of the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and the two Divisional Commanders, all remaining officers are locally employed Greek and Turkish Cypriots who are trained and equipped to UK policing standards to deal with a range of investigation, prevention and detection responsibilities. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary regularly inspects the Service.

UCLan Cyprus signs innovative policing partnership
UCLan Cyprus signs innovative policing partnership