Neighborhood police scheme deemed a success
A neighborhood policeman scheme, which was launched in March and extended across the country at the end of June, has been very successful, the Greek Police (ELAS) said in a statement on Wednesday, noting that dozens of officers were involved in more than 40,000 initiatives in 96 neighborhoods nationwide.
Apart from visiting citizens’ homes and stores, the officers boosted links with local authorities, schools, associations and churches, the statement said, adding that the presence of members of the neighborhood police outside banks, particularly over the summer when capital controls were first imposed, had helped avert crime and contributed toward citizens’ safety.
A total of 187 officers are involved in the scheme which is coordinated in 96 neighborhoods by 37 police precincts.
