Spain has a complex police system made up of several forces with distinct powers, operating at different territorial levels. This article presents the main police forces in Spain: the Guardia Civil, the Policía Nacional, the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Ertzaintza, the Policía Foral de Navarra and the local police forces. Each plays a specific role in maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of citizens. Finally, we will remind readers of the importance of the emergency number 112, which can be dialled throughout the country.
The Guardia Civil
The Guardia Civil, founded in 1844, is a military security force that reports to the Ministry of the Interior for its police functions and to the Ministry of Defence for its military organisation. It operates mainly in rural and suburban areas, as well as on interurban roads. Its responsibilities include:
- Road safety on most of the country’s roads.
- Border and coast surveillance.
- The fight against drug trafficking and smuggling.
- Environmental protection (through the Nature Protection Service, SEPRONA).
- The fight against terrorism and organised crime.
The Guardia Civil is recognised for its historic role and its presence in small towns, where it maintains a constant presence.
The Policía Nacional
The Policía Nacional, also under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior, is a civilian force primarily responsible for security in urban areas of large cities. Created in 1824, it focuses on:
- Issuing identity documents (ID cards, passports).
- Fighting urban crime (theft, assault, cybercrime).
- Protecting public figures and buildings.
- Coordinating with international agencies such as Interpol.
- Preventing and suppressing terrorism.
The Policía Nacional is often visible in city centres and densely populated areas.
The Ertzaintza
The Ertzaintza is the autonomous police force of the Basque Country, created in 1982 under the auspices of the Basque government. Like the Mossos, it replaced the national forces in most public security functions in this region. Its main tasks are:
- Managing road safety in the region.
- Preventing and suppressing crime in the Basque Country.
- Fighting terrorism, particularly in the historical context of the Basque Country.
- Protecting regional authorities and infrastructure.
With around 8,000 officers, the Ertzaintza plays a key role in the security of this autonomous community.
The Mossos d’Esquadra
The Mossos d’Esquadra are the autonomous police force of Catalonia. Created in 1983, it is responsible for all public security functions in this autonomous community, gradually replacing the Guardia Civil and the Policía Nacional. Its responsibilities include:
- Management of road traffic in the region.
- Public security and the fight against crime in Catalonia.
- Protecting Catalan institutions.
- Coordinating with local Catalan police forces.
The Policía Foral de Navarra
The Policía Foral is the autonomous police force of Navarre, operating under the authority of the regional government. Although its powers are similar to those of the Mossos and the Ertzaintza, its scope of action is more limited, as the Guardia Civil and the Policía Nacional remain active in the region. Its responsibilities include:
- Road safety on the roads of Navarre.
- Protection of the environment and natural resources.
- Security of institutions in Navarre.
- Coordination with other police forces.
With around 1,100 officers, the Policía Foral is a smaller force, but essential for the region.
Local police
Local police forces, also known as the Policía Local or Policía Municipal, operate under the authority of town councils in municipalities. Their role is complementary to that of other police forces, with a focus on:
- Regulating urban traffic.
- Maintaining order in public spaces (parks, markets, local events).
- Handling minor offences (parking, noise pollution).
- Collaborating with other forces on joint operations.
Each municipality may have its own local police force, whose size and resources vary depending on the size of the town. In large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, these police forces play a significant role.
The emergency number 112
Regardless of the police force involved, in case of emergency, the single number 112 is operational throughout Spain. This service, which is free and available 24 hours a day, allows you to quickly contact the police, fire brigade or medical services, wherever you are in the country. It is essential to know this number to ensure a rapid response in case of need.
In conclusion, the Spanish police system, with its multiple forces with complementary powers, reflects the diversity and decentralisation of the country. From the Guardia Civil to the local police forces, each force contributes to ensuring the safety of citizens, while 112 guarantees effective coordination in emergencies.