Icod de los Vinos Police Halt Overtime Amid Staffing and Resource Crisis

Public safety in Icod de los Vinos is facing a major crisis after the local police force stopped working overtime. Labor unions CSIF and UGT say the officers are taking this action because the local government has failed to keep promises made during negotiations that began last March.

This dispute is already affecting the town. Public events and festivities will no longer have dedicated police coverage. Staffing levels have been cut significantly: the night shift will now be covered by just one officer, and only two officers will be on duty during the day to serve a population of nearly 25,000 people. This is particularly concerning as the summer season approaches, a time when the force usually relies on overtime to manage increased demand.

The officers’ frustration goes beyond this specific dispute. They argue that the force is severely understaffed—operating at only a third of the recommended level for a town of this size. They also report a lack of basic resources, including aging vehicles, deteriorating facilities, a lack of training, and a three-year delay in receiving proper uniforms. While the local government recently approved funds for vehicle cleaning and a small amount of clothing, the unions argue this does not address the core issues.

At the center of the conflict is a demand to update the town’s Job Position List. Officers are calling for fair pay regarding the dangers and hardships of their work, as well as proper compensation for holiday shifts. The unions state that a lack of progress on a collective bargaining agreement and a perceived lack of seriousness from the local government have broken down trust.

This situation reflects a common struggle in local government, where managing essential services often clashes with budget constraints and poor planning. While the local government has yet to change its stance, the police have made it clear that they will not return to normal operations until they see real solutions that improve both their working conditions and the safety of the community.