Police are studying ways to deal with the phenomenon, which is taking on alarming proportions and concerns the increase of drones with video-surveillance cameras throughout Cyprus, following a recent incident at Larnaca airport that revealed "weaknesses" of the authorities in locating the pilot.
The issue arose as we are informed, when police officers at the airport followed a large drone that was flying in the area and it was not possible to find its pilot.
According to information, the issue was discussed at the Police Headquarters as it was realized that in terms of security measures at airports, in this case there is a gap and inability to protect against a possible threat.
In addition to the potential terrorist threat scenario as drones are now modified to carry explosives or offer new opportunities for illegal activity such as espionage and reconnaissance, the safety of airports and passengers is endangered as the possibility of a drone being found in focus of landing or taking off an airplane with adverse consequences.
At the airports, the instruction was finally transmitted to the police to follow drones which they locate in the area until they locate their pilot. In case it is not detected, there is a case to be stopped even when it is considered as a "threat" by the senior officers.
In the vicinity of airports, members of the police force are also instructed to conduct drone patrols.
Absence of legislation
The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection has recently raised the issue of increasing drone use, stressing that the use of drones with video surveillance cameras carries serious risks of violating the right to privacy, especially when flying in residential areas or near camps. they should concern the State.
As soon as there is a gap in the legislation on the use of drones, the work of the Police becomes very difficult due to the difficulty of locating the pilot who, with the flight range of some drones, may be quite far from the surveillance area, according to Commissioner.
Source: Offsite