In a bid to raise cash, Greek police are offering a €30 per hour “cop-for-hire” scheme for private companies or citizens seeking protection at special events.
Police said the hitherto free service was provided only under special circumstances, such as cases of high-security risk, and that revenues would be used to fund police equipment and boost the state budget.
“We will provide these services only in exceptional cases and only if we have the available assets and staff. We’ll first make sure that no citizen is deprived of police protection,” said police spokesman Thanassis Kokkalakis. Hiring a police vehicle escort, for example for the transfer of art works or other sensitive material, will cost an additional €40 per hour and a motorcycle escort €20. – (Reuters)