Cyprus’ emergency number 112 is handling a heavy and sustained workload, with over 374,000 calls recorded in 2025 up to 31 October, while being managed nationwide by around 10 police officers per shift, according to data submitted to Parliament.

Official figures show the service receives more than 1,200 calls per day. Of the 2025 calls handled so far, 37,406 were forwarded to ambulance services and 10,801 to the Fire Service, indicating that a large share of calls concern non-urgent or misdirected incidents.

All 112 calls are currently managed exclusively by police officers serving at the Message Control Centres (KEM) of district police headquarters. Officers handle emergency calls alongside other duties, and there are no specialised call handlers, paramedics or nurses assigned to the system.

Training consists of periodic briefings and guidance, with new operators receiving basic instruction upon placement. The most recent public information campaign on proper use of 112 took place in May 2025.

Call volumes have remained consistently high in recent years, with 420,007 calls in 2022, 470,693 in 2023 and 405,985 in 2024. The figures for 2025 suggest a similarly demanding year.

The information was provided by outgoing Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis in response to a parliamentary question by DISY MP Nikos Georgiou. The minister confirmed that the current model is transitional, with a political decision taken for Civil Defence to assume responsibility for 112 and develop NG112 (Next Generation 112).

The upgraded system is expected to introduce automatic location data, digital communication tools, accessibility for persons with disabilities and a public early-warning system. However, no clear timetable has been announced for its full implementation.