A police officer serving in Greece’s Parliamentary Traffic Police has been arrested following allegations of domestic violence. The incident marks another troubling case of misconduct within the ranks of law enforcement.
The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the officer’s 32-year-old ex-wife on Saturday, accusing him of threatening and abusive behaviour. The 38-year-old officer was taken into custody under the auto-custody protocol. Authorities immediately suspended the officer and took steps to confiscate his weapon. He has also been reassigned to a different office pending further investigation.
Mental Health and Violence in the Force
This arrest shines a spotlight on broader issues within the Hellenic Police (ELAS). According to official data, around ten police officers are removed from active service annually due to severe mental health conditions. An additional 60 officers with similar issues are reassigned to non-civilian-facing roles.
Psychiatric evaluations are routine within ELAS, with approximately 1,700 officers assessed each year. Between 8% and 10%—about 150 officers—fail to meet the standards required to carry a weapon and are subsequently disarmed.
Alarming trends also highlight the intersection of domestic violence and law enforcement. Each year, 20 to 25 police officers are disarmed after being implicated in domestic violence cases.
The recent arrest underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within ELAS to address mental health challenges and ensure accountability, both for the safety of the public and those closest to law enforcement personnel.
(Source: To Vima)