The police officer union of Samos has sent the Chief of the Hellenic Police a letter of protest over the tragic and dangerous conditions of the island’s Identification and Reception Center.

According to the letter, the Center was designed to house 285 people, but at present there are 682 migrants being held there, which is more than twice the center’s capacity. The overpopulation in the detention center has had an impact on the living conditions and hygiene, while putting the lives of the officers at risk.

As a result of the ever-increasing waves of migration, the police officers are being stretched to their limits and they are being called upon to manage a huge number of detainees; no more than four officers are on duty in every 8-hour shift.