No extra powers for police
Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras yesterday rejected calls by police officers for greater powers to search suspects’ homes and to keep detainees in custody for up to 48 hours without charging them. Speaking to the Panhellenic Federation of Police Officers (POAXIA), Polydoras urged the policemen to come up with other suggestions. «Rethink your proposals on judicial and criminal matters,» said Polydoras. «Have a discussion about it, but I do not want you to insist on these changes.» The officers had suggested that they should be given the power to search suspects’ homes without the presence of a prosecutor. They also proposed being allowed to hold suspects who are caught red-handed for up to 48 hours, instead of 24 hours, before they are charged. Meanwhile, Chief of Police Anastassios Dimoschakis said that «mobile police stations» would start rolling onto Athenian streets next month. They will be police vans which will be equipped to provide basic services to passers-by.
