Galician police officers gathered in front of the Delegation of the Government of Galicia in A Coruña last Thursday to demand greater security in Galician cities. The officers, summoned by various police unions, including the Unified Police Union of Galicia (SUP) and the Spanish Police Confederation (CEP), expressed their concerns about the lack of police officers per inhabitant in Galicia compared to other communities.
According to their denouncement, the catalog of the National Police has not been updated, resulting in a lower number of police officers in Galician cities and towns. In Galicia, there is an average of 14.79 policemen for every 10,000 inhabitants. This ratio is even lower in some areas, such as Vigo, where the ratio is 10.67. On the other hand, in places like Nursery, the rate is higher, reaching 19.66.
Comparing these numbers with those of Madrid, it is evident that Galicia has almost half the number of police officers per inhabitant. The city of Madrid has the highest rate of police officers per 10,000 inhabitants, with a total of 11,469 endowments, resulting in a rate of 29.87. Even the lowest rate in Madrid, in Torrejon de Ardoz, is higher than the Galician average.
The police unions organizing the rally have accused the General Directorate of the National Police of discrimination against Galicia. They claim that the catalog of jobs in the National Police has increased by 4,640 positions in the last year, but only 55 of these positions have been allocated to Galicia. Roberto Gonzalez, the general secretary of the SUP in Galicia, stated that the General Directorate does not take into account the needs of Galicia. He mentioned that there are currently 3,000 positions in the catalog, with 250 of them remaining unfilled.
Mr. Gonzalez highlighted the example of A Coruña, where there are a total of 900 stalls for National Police officers, but they are not being filled. He emphasized the need for 100 more agents to address the increase in robberies and thefts in the city. The police unions also raised concerns about the rise in computer crimes, which they believe is related to the increase in drug dependence on the streets.
The rally aimed to draw attention to the discrimination faced by Galicia in terms of police resources. The officers called for an update to the catalog of the National Police and an increase in the number of police officers in Galician cities and towns to ensure the safety and security of the community.
What specific resources, equipment, and training do the police officers in Galicia lack, and how does this hinder their ability to effectively combat crime and maintain public safety
E are only 279 National Police officers per 100,000 inhabitants, while the national average is 350 officers per 100,000 inhabitants. This disparity creates a significant security gap in Galicia, leading to increased crime rates and a sense of insecurity among the population.
The police officers emphasized the importance of having an adequate number of officers to effectively combat crime and maintain public safety. They argued that increasing the number of police officers in Galicia would not only help prevent and solve crimes but also contribute to a safer environment for both residents and tourists.
Furthermore, the officers highlighted the need for proper resources and equipment to perform their duties effectively. They expressed concerns over the lack of resources, outdated equipment, and inadequate training, which further impede their ability to fulfill their responsibilities.
The police unions called on the authorities to address these issues urgently and allocate more resources to ensure the safety of Galician cities and towns. They emphasized that ensuring the security of the population should be a top priority for the government.
In response to these demands, representatives from the Delegation of the Government of Galicia assured the officers that their concerns would be taken into consideration. They promised to initiate talks with the relevant authorities to address the shortage of police officers and improve the overall conditions for law enforcement in Galicia.
The demonstration by the Galician police officers serves as a reminder of the need for adequate security measures in communities. It underlines the significance of addressing the concerns and demands of law enforcement personnel, who play a crucial role in safeguarding the wellbeing of the population.
It is disheartening to witness discrimination towards Galicia, as security is a universal concern that should be addressed without bias. The rallying of Galician police officers for more security is a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for all residents. Every region deserves equal attention and protection, and it is our collective responsibility to combat discrimination and ensure the well-being of every community.
It’s disheartening to see discrimination persist in an already challenging field like law enforcement. It’s important to address these concerns and strive for a secure working environment that promotes inclusivity and fairness for all officers, regardless of their regional background.