Why are 100 Roma being hired by Hellenic Police - Chrysochoidis' plan for Roma communities

This process, which is expected to be completed, according to Ta Nea, by the end of the year, has as its main goal the better operational planning and the creation of information networks of the security authorities to deal with gangs in the western suburbs of Attica, but also where there is a density of Roma, as this particular community is considered to have a large share (over 50%-60%) in thefts, burglaries and frauds.

Ministry officials reported to Nea that “this will improve the understanding of the choices and processes within the Roma community that lead to illegality as well as the family structure of certain gangs”.

It is indicative that security officials had recently proceeded to establish a special committee to overcome certain legal issues concerning the determination of the qualifications and qualities of specific candidates for recruitment of officers. This is because the Roma are Greek citizens and the relevant competition was not considered easy, in order to avoid complaints of discrimination against this social group, which must be treated with sensitivity.

Thus, it was decided in the last 24 hours to recruit 100 Roma as special guards, with the prerequisite that they have completed high school and know the Romani language, with EL.AS. officers not ruling out that some of them may operate covertly as "secret" police officers.