Significant changes are underway within the Hellenic Police (ELAS), as three high-ranking lieutenant generals have officially retired, with further evaluations of brigadier generals set to follow

Leadership Transition

Under the leadership of Police Chief Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios and the participation of two senior Army generals, the Police Lieutenant General Evaluation Council convened on Wednesday, delivering the following outcomes:

Retained in service:

• Paschalis Syritoudis, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Police, known for his pivotal role in handling the 2020 border crisis in Evros.

Retired with distinction:

• Asterios Mantiokas, former Head of Staff at Police Headquarters, now holding the honorary title of Head of Staff.
• George Michalopoulos, former General Inspector for Southern Greece, now designated as Honorary General Inspector for Southern Greece.
• Christos Bouloumpasis, former General Inspector for Northern Greece, who assumes the title of Honorary General Inspector for Northern Greece.

The leadership reshuffle will continue with evaluations of brigadier generals, signaling a broader restructuring across key departments.

Aiming for Renewal

According to reliable sources, the Ministry of Citizen Protection is focused on comprehensive renewal at the highest levels and in critical operational units, such as the Attica Security Directorate and the position of Attica Police Chief. Additionally, there is a strategic effort to streamline the upper ranks, following a model similar to that of the Armed Forces. This may involve the elimination of two lieutenant general positions, specifically those overseeing Northern and Southern Greece.

A key decision pending is the appointment of a new head for the Internal Affairs Division, as the current chief, Panagiotis Poupouzas, who is expected to be promoted to lieutenant general, cannot remain in his post.

Another critical appointment involves selecting officers to lead the Chania Police Directorate, following recent developments. Initial reports suggest that two officers from Athens have already been chosen, while a transfer from Heraklion is expected to fill the Traffic Division Chief role in Chania.

Farewell Note from Retiring Officer

Earlier on Wednesday, retiring Chief of Staff Asterios Mantiokas bid farewell to the police force after a distinguished 40-year career. In a heartfelt post, he reflected on his service:

“After 40 years, the time has come to say goodbye to the Hellenic Police, which I served and loved with all my being. The force I prioritized over my family, in honor of my oath and my commitment to being reliable and useful to citizens, colleagues, and society.”

Mantiokas recounted the challenges and triumphs of his long career, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to the police’s mission of public service. He expressed gratitude to Greek citizens for their trust, which he described as a guiding beacon during difficult moments, and to his colleagues for their courage and selflessness.

He concluded by thanking his family for their enduring support throughout his demanding career, stating: “Though my journey has come to an end, my love and respect for this institution will remain forever.”