POLICE IN SPAIN – THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPANISH POLICE
Few things can confuse people moving to Spain more than the different Spanish police forces that exist throughout the country – each of which wears a different uniform and each of which has a different ambit of operation from the other force!
Of course, most people can recognise the Guardia Civil in their green uniforms and (when on ceremonial duty) black tricorn hats. However, who are the other police and what do they do? In fact, you may ask (as many do!), are the Guardia Civil really the terrifying guardians of Spain’s Francoist past and likely to knock on your door at any moment and remove you swiftly to some dark prison?
The truth is that the Spanish police is essentially composed of three forces: the Guardia Civil, the Policia Nacional and the Policia Local. I say ‘essentially’ because the Basque country, Catalonia and Navarra all have their own regional police forces – all of which are in place of the Policia Nacional. The three main forces are:
Importantly, the remit of the Guardia Civil is to police rural areas and towns under around 20,000 people. So, they do not operate in urban areas with a population over approximately 20,000 people. If you suffer a crime or you need police help in a rural area of Spain then it is to the Guardia Civil to whom you must turn – and who will attend to the investigation of any the problem.
In normal circumstances some 40% of the Spanish population live under the protection of the Guardia Civil, although this percentage rises to around 65% during the summer holiday season - when many ‘urbanites’ leave the towns and cities for the coast and the countryside.
2. Police Nacional. The Police Nacional are normally dressed in black uniforms with white shirts but they can be seen also wearing blue, military style uniforms. Like the Guardia Civil, they are a conventional police force - albeit that they are a completely civil force with civil (rather than military) ranks. It is to them that you must go if you suffer a crime or need police help within an urban area - and it is only the Policia Nacional who will respond to or investigate a crime in a town of some 20,000 people or more.
3. Policia Local. Finally, there is the Policia Local. This is a force which is recruited, funded and controlled by local town halls and that is responsible to the elected Mayor (Alcalde). The Policia Local wear blue uniforms with white shirts and respond to minor crimes. Mostly they deal with local authority enforcement matters, together with urban (city, town or village) traffic control and any associated violations. Crimes are not investigated and any serious matter is immediately handed over to either the Guardia Civil or Policia Nacional - as appropriate to the demographic area.
Almost all Spanish police are armed although occasionally this is not the case with village Policia Local.
In my experience the police that I have encountered from all three forces have been efficient, understanding and correct. That said, they seem to take a ‘no nonsense’ approach to trouble and should never be treated with aggression. However, at all times, I have found them helpful and prepared to provide the assistance I required. This is particularly true of the Policia Local who seem to be invariably charming.
In fact, the police in Spain are generally a credit to the country and act just like any police force in Western Europe. This is as true for the Policia Nacional as it is for the Guardia Civil. So, if you want to move to Spain, you can feel comfortable with the Spanish police and the protection that they afford.
Finally, if you are in Spain and you need the police then:
For general emergencies call: 112 To report a crime call: 902 102 112 Guardia Civil: 062 Policia Nacional: 091 Policia Local call: 092
Copyright Nick Snelling (www.nicholassnelling.com) author of three books on Spain including ‘How to Move Safely to Spain’ (www.movesafelytospain.com)
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