The need for constant vigilance of the security authorities, against the backdrop of developments in the Middle East, was underlined by the Minister of Civil Protection Michael Chrysochoidis, speaking on the radio station “Parapolitika 90.1”. The Minister also referred to traffic and road safety issues, the operation of the new traffic police team “Knot”, the installation of cameras on the road network of Attica, police operations in areas of increased delinquency, as well as the strengthening of services of the Hellenic Police.
“We are on an alert and vigilance,” the minister said of developments in the Middle East, adding that “from time to time some issues, some suspects emerge, but by and large the country is not host to such elements, but that does not mean that we are out of danger. That is, whoever is claiming this is obviously out of touch with reality. … there needs to be an ongoing cooperation on a daily basis. In any case, one cannot at this time not be vigilant and not be mobilized so that anything that wanted to happen could be prevented … Right now, our priority is the security of the country, I mean borders, I mean information, I mean controls …”
He then referred to issues of traffic management and improving road safety, placing cameras on Attica’s road network, police operations in areas of increased delinquency and strengthening ELAS services and structures.
Specifically, regarding the creation of the special traffic police team, “Knot”, the Minister said: “We are trying to create pilot conditions to facilitate citizens in their daily lives. We have developed a plan and have created a new team called “KNOMBOS” based at the THEC (Traffic Monitoring and Control Operations Chamber)…. This is a team of about 150 police officers, some will be on motorcycles – about 40 motorcycles – and the rest will be on foot and they will regulate traffic. After Easter and with the use of technology, we will be able to quickly intervene through the centre and solve problems on the roads with these traffic policemen.”
Citizens will be able to contact this centre on a specific number giving information and so they too will be another source of data. The “COMBOS” will not solve the problem, but it will significantly help citizens to move around the city faster.”
He also highlighted: “The government is looking at how to solve the Kifissos issue… a new road to take vehicles out of the basin. The thought is to create a transversal road leading to Thebes, after Ritsona. The old road from Elefsina to Thebes is not suitable for trucks, and as a result all this “load” falls on the Kifissos.”
Referring to road safety and traffic issues, Chrysochoidis noted: “We have tripled the strength of the traffic police. And now we are quadrupling it with the “Knot” in order to facilitate people in their daily lives and in traffic but, above all, in road safety.
Two things were key to reducing accidents, helmets and breathalyzer tests. Helmets, at the moment, I can say that in a very high percentage of more than 90%, all cyclists wear helmets, you rarely see cyclists without helmets. For the helmeted recidivist, the penalty is huge. Both in terms of the fine and in terms of the license. The second is the issue of the breathalyzer. The work that the traffic police do is important and productive. Every Friday-weekend we have 20,000 breathalyser tests. Also, the consumption of alcohol on these days has also decreased. This is a new social behaviour, a new consciousness, and this is very encouraging for our society, because last year we had almost 150 fewer deaths. That is great. Lives were saved.”
Regarding the installation of cameras on the road network in Attica, the Minister said: “We are entering a new era. We have piloted about 6 cameras in Attica and they are working. In a few days, maybe even tomorrow, you will hear how the cameras are working and confirming offences. At the same time, about 20-plus cameras will be placed on buses, which I think is very, very critical and useful so that the bus lanes can be policed.
The cameras are set up in such a way that they strictly respect the guidelines of the Data Protection Authority. By June, about 300 cameras in the District will have been installed.”
Referring to police operations in areas with high crime rates, Chrysochoidis said:
“Not to say that we are possibly making a distinction, simply with the Roma settlements what happened in all other settlements, towns, neighbourhoods. That is to say, where we said that there were abbeys, now there are none. The police are inside, 24 hours a day, every day. Police officers are interacting with citizens, searching homes, looking for people who may be being stalked and wanted, so that whatever is required under the law to enforce the law is enforced. What has been going on for many years where some people have taken refuge in these settlements is coming to an end.”
Finally, on issues of crime and strengthening services, the Minister noted:
“The Crime Investigation and Detection Departments are, now, overcrowded. By early May, some Police Stations will also be fully staffed, which are not policing in the sense of crime, but serving the people. I am in daily contact with all the mayors of Attica. We have created chats on viber with thousands of residents and we monitor the security in every neighborhood – district – on a daily basis, because I realize every time what it is like to live somewhere and have a feeling that delinquency is prevalent. That’s my number one priority.”
