Athens Municipality Joins Forces with Hellenic Police to Improve Safety

Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

As part of efforts to improve public safety in the Greek capital, Hellenic Police (ELAS) and Athens’ Municipal Police announced that they would be joining forces under a four-year program.

The news comes after Citizens’ Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas signed an updated Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).

Among others, the MoC foresees the reinstatement of the Unified Coordination Center for Daily Management, an online platform for citizens at risk, the recruitment of new officers, increased patrols, joint operations and exchange of knowhow and practices.

Additionally, the two units will also carry out special operations to deal with illegal trade and traffic management particularly during large events.

This is the second time ELAS partners with Athens Municipal Police to address safety and security issues in the Greek capital.

Chrysochoidis also announced that the recruitment of 300 guards to man a special unit would be announced in the coming days while Doukas said the municipality would be hiring 180 new municipal police officers to meet the demands.

“We want every citizen in Athens, especially in neighborhoods that are the most vulnerable due to the high concentration of residents, to feel safe,” said Chrysochoidis.

“We are aware that the security issues in Athens are complex, which makes it imperative for Athens and the Greek Police to join forces in order to deal effectively with criminal behavior,” said Mayor Doukas.