Former municipal police officers put on the beat in city center

Hundreds of former municipal policemen have started training with officers from the national force by patrolling the streets of Athens, Kathimerini has learned.

More than 1,500 of 2,858 municipal officers who were left without jobs last summer when their positions were scrapped as part of public sector reforms have now transferred to the Greek Police (ELAS). Just over 1,000 of these officers are serving in Athens.

They are being taken out on foot patrols in groups of six or seven under the guidance of experienced officers. For now, their focus will be on checking migrants’ papers as well as the permits of restaurants, bars and cafes.