Police guard for VIPs is set to be trimmed
The number of policemen assigned to guard journalists and VIPs will be cut according to a recommendation by a special committee set up at the behest of the prime minister, sources told Sunday’s Kathimerini. The committee, which began its work last September, has delivered its report to the Public Order Ministry and the measures it recommends will effectively lead to 500 police officers returning to normal duties. During its investigation, which was prompted by complaints that public resources were being wasted on guarding high-profile personalities, the panel found that 2,842 officers, 171 police cars and 113 motorcycles were being used to protect VIPs, excluding the president, prime minister and ministers. Of the 2,842 police officers, some 200 were assigned to protect publishers, journalists and businessmen.
