Spain in major security deployment this summer as officers to 'minimise risks'

Spain is preparing to deploy thousands more police and security officers this summer as visitor numbers soar. The National police and Civil Guard will increase their numbers by 4,002, which will be spread across nine regions of the country and its surrounding islands. Andalusia, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, the Valencian Community, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, and the Region of Murcia will all see an increased police presence this peak season.

The Ministry of the Interior will preside over the summer plan, which will begin on July 1 and end on August 31 for all areas except the Balearics, where it will continue until September 30. The National Police will have 1,577 additional officers, adding to the 22,538 already assigned to its Citizen Security units, bringing the total number to 24,115.

The Civil Guard reinforcements amount to 2,425 officers, which, added to the 29,796 personnel already assigned, brings the total to total 32,221.

The officers for both units will be comprised of specialised air units (helicopters and drones), dog handlers, underground patrols, a mobile brigade, and cavalry.

Trainee officers from the National Police School in Ávila and the Civil Guard Academy in Baeza will also be promoted.

The National Police and Civil Guard will reinforce surveillance of the Camino de Santiago with cavalry units and ten Mobile Pilgrim Assistance Offices (OMAP).

Prevention and response measures will be implemented to prevent crimes that may impact residents and tourists while travelling.

The Ministry of the Interior said: "The summer season represents a key moment for the sector, especially in coastal and island territories, which is why the Ministry of the Interior plans police operations aimed at providing effective protection and security, in general, for the enjoyment of all tourism-related activities.

"The ultimate goal is to increase citizen security in tourist areas to minimise the risks associated with common crime and cybercrime, as well as the threat posed by jihadist terrorism, and to provide faster and more effective assistance to those harmed by criminal acts or incidents that impact security in the broadest sense.

"To this end, the Security Forces will increase surveillance and preventive control on urban and interurban roads, stations, ports, airports, hotels, beaches, campsites, and in general, any places and spaces where large concentrations of people are present."