Contrary to what happens in most places in Europe, the police on this island is so discreet that... it seems to do nothing. In the bigger towns policemen are generally occupied with administrative tasks, while in the villages they sit at the kafenìa, sipping their rakì and playing backgammon with the other villagers. Crime rates in Crete are very low and most of the time the presence of policemen around is a mere formality. In the summer, of course, with so many tourists visiting the island, there is bound to be some small episode, some drunkard making a fuss over something, or some absent-minded or inexperienced motorcyclist or jeep driver who rented a vehicle only to cause an accident. However, such episodes are merely an exception to the rule, an occasional disruption of the order that prevails.

The most likely encounter you’ll ever have with the police is in a road block set up, where you will typically see a police car at the side of the road, one or two police motorcycles, and a cop signalling you to stop. Chances are that as soon at they see you are a tourist they will let you go with no further ado. If you are stopped for a minor violation (such as exceeding the speed limit), they have to be polite, but if they yell at you do not react immediately. After a minute or two they will... feel better, and they will let you go without a ticket, having accepted your sincere apology and the promise that you will now go slower than a bus. The magic phrase that gets through to them is èleos, dhen tha to xanakàno (have mercy, I won’t do it again!)

Careful: never try to bribe a police officer. This method may be effective in Turkey and the ex-communist countries of Eastern Europe, but in Greece it simply won’t work. The Greek policemen will feel deeply offended, and they will treat you twice as hard as they normally would. Should a cop ask you for money - a very unlikely thing but one that can’t be ruled out - refuse politely and ask him for the ticket (dhòste mou tin klìsi parakalò). Keep in mind that policemen are not entitled to collect money on the spot; they are there only to hand you the ticket.

Source of the information on this page : “Unexplored Crete”, Road Editions. For more guidebooks and maps of Greece, click here.