Police officer in Thessaloniki faces disciplinary action after public confrontation

On October 17, 2026, a traffic police officer in Thessaloniki became the subject of an internal investigation after being recorded abandoning his duty equipment during a heated confrontation with a civilian. Security camera footage captured the officer removing his vest, baton, and jacket, leaving his service weapon and gear unattended on the street before engaging in a dispute.

The incident reportedly began when a driver challenged the legality of parking tickets the officer was issuing, claiming that the enforcement was selective or improperly applied. The officer reacted aggressively to the citizen’s remarks, leading to the public altercation. The footage has since drawn significant public concern regarding the professional conduct and emotional restraint of law enforcement officers while on duty.

Authorities have identified the officer involved and have initiated an official administrative inquiry (EDE). The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the confrontation and to finalize the nature of the disciplinary actions to be taken against the officer for his unprofessional behavior.