CSIF Union Challenges Legality of Private Security at Santa Cruz de Tenerife Complex
The CSIF union has challenged the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council’s use of private security at the Los Charcos complex, arguing that delegating enforcement duties to non-public officials is unlawful.
A dispute over security at the Los Charcos complex in Valleseco has raised serious questions about the legality of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council’s actions. The CSIF union claims that hiring a private company to handle security at the site is unlawful, as it delegates duties that should be performed exclusively by public officials.
The controversy centers on the legal differences between private security guards and law enforcement. Under the Private Security Law (5/2014), private guards have limited authority and no administrative power. In contrast, local regulations and the Organic Law on Security Forces and Corps (2/1986) state that only the Local Police and natural environment agents have the authority to close facilities, carry out evictions, or issue fines.
The union warns that allowing private security to enforce municipal ordinances is an overreach of their role. Because the rules governing the Valleseco facilities specifically assign enforcement and control powers to the police, using private staff for these administrative tasks lacks a legal basis. This creates legal uncertainty for both the public using the facilities and the security workers themselves, as it blurs the line between commercial surveillance and the official authority held by public law enforcement.