Greek police’s Delta squad to be disbanded

The police’s motorcycle-riding Delta squad is to be disbanded, Alternate Minister for Citizens’ Protection Nikos Toskas revealed on Tuesday.

The former military officer said that most of the policemen currently serving in the Delta team would be assigned to the riot squad or the crime prevention unit.

Toskas added that some police precincts would be merged as part of an overhaul of the force.

“There is no reason for there to be precincts with just eight or 10 police officers,” he said during a news conference.

The minister said that efforts would be made to transfer to other duties some of the 2,700 officers currently assigned to protecting targets such as VIPs or buildings.

Toskas was also questioned about the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and whether it had detected any jihadists taking advantage of the refugee influx to Greece so they could enter the European Union.

“EYP and the police are watching the jihadist issue closely and are cooperating with foreign intelligence services,” he said.