

This means that they are under the authority of the State Department of Security in the Ministry of the Interior.Īs of 2020, there are over 87,000 Policía Nacional officers who operate in all the capital cities of Spain’s 50 provinces and others as designated by the national Government. Unlike the Local police which are connected to the town halls, the national police are managed by the Directorate General of Police and Civil Guard. Spain’s national police ( Policía Nacional) is an armed civil force that deals with more serious crimes. National Police - Policía Nacional (Call 091) If you need to report a minor crime ( denuncia) such as theft, parking issues, traffic control or bylaw infringements, you can call the Local police on 092 In resort areas, many of the local police officers will speak English. The Local Police can also be considered guardians of the town and will protect local authorities and their official buildings. Liaising with other agencies and security forces when required.Monitoring and securing of public spaces and events including fiestas and demonstrations.Cooperating in the resolution of private conflicts.Reporting of traffic accidents in urban areas.Order and control of traffic in urban areas including parking tickets.Some of their main responsibilities include:. When not walking the beat, they will usually be found driving around in white and blue patrol cars. Like all police officers in Spain, the local police are armed. There are currently around 70,000 local police officers throughout Spain serving the 17 autonomous communities. You will usually find local police where the municipality has a population of more than 5,000 people. In the vast majority of cities and towns, they are called the Local police or ' Policía Local'. In some areas including Madrid and Valladolid, they are referred to as Municipal Police ( Policía Municipal), whereas in Barcelona they are called ‘ Guardia Urbana’. Recognised by their blue uniforms, the Local or Municipal police are a common sight and are attached to and recruited by the local town halls. Local or Municipal Police - Policía Local (Call 092)

There are three main police forces in Spain which are defined by not only the uniforms they wear but also their appearance and the roles they undertake.īelow we explain what each of the three police forces is and how they help to keep the country safe and secure. One thing that really stands out when you first move to Spain is just how many police officers there are on the streets.Īnd although it can be very reassuring to know that they are there to protect us, there can be some confusion over the different roles they play in keeping us safe. Police In Spain: A Guide To The Three Spanish Police Forces Expat Tips Published: 09 November 2020 12:03 CET Updated: 22 June 2022 12:03 CET
