In a post he described as a “historic moment” for the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Greek Police, the responsible Minister, Michalis Chrysochoidisannounced the launch of the new organizational structure of the Hellenic Police Headquarters. This restructuring, provided by Law 5187, which was passed on March 21, 2025, is implemented 25 years after the initial establishment of the Headquarters.
Mr. Chrysochoidis described the new structure as “modern and flexible”, designed to enhance the correct governance and the process of making decisions within the body. He emphasized that this structural change is the first and critical step for a continuous reform course, which will substantially enhance the way of designing, developing and implementing a modern internal security policy, focusing on the “21st Century Police”.
The reorganization of the staff and the services of the ELAS Headquarters. expected, according to the Minister, to:
- It contributes decisively to the staff planning.
- Enhance the coordination and effective administration of the business sectors.
- Shape a framework for cooperation with bodies both in Greece and internationally.
- Strengthen the ability to prevent and deal with new threats.
- Enhance the utilization of new technological capabilities.
The “21st century police”, as Mr Chrysochoidis described it, is the one that is not limited to following developments, but seeks to predict the future and evolution of criminal phenomena. It adopts a new philosophy, Societal Policing, with particular emphasis on the prevention of various forms of violence, such as domestic, gender, racist and violence of minors. In addition, the new approach includes the utilization of technology and data for a documented policing (evidence-based policing), the emphasis on crisis management, the protection of critical infrastructures, the treatment of hybrid threats and the development of strategic communication. It is also envisaged to form long -term strategic planning using foresight and to strengthen international presence through police cooperation and diplomacy.
The minister stressed that the new structure of the Headquarters is another step in improving the daily lives and security of the citizens, noting that the police are entering a new phase and for this effort it is necessary to cooperate and support the citizens. He recalled that the fundamental mission of the Police is to protect the citizen, and especially of the most vulnerable members of society.
The “Social Contract of the 21st Century”, in which it was mentioned, emphasizes new technologies, data utilization, accountability and transparency, as well as a policing with social person and empathy.
The next stages of this broader reform, as announced by Mr Chrysochoidis, include the creation of a new police academy and the establishment of a modern framework for the evaluation, management and support of ELAS staff.
“The police are changing. With a plan. With a vision. Under responsibility, “the Minister of Citizen Protection concluded.