Icod Police Union Warns Shortages Endanger Public Safety

The local police in Icod de los Vinos are struggling to do their job properly, according to their union, CSIF. Officers believe this situation puts public safety at risk and blame the City Council for long-term neglect.

A major problem is the severe staff shortage. The force has only about a third of the officers needed for a town of 25,000 people. This means they can't keep a regular night shift, and officers often have to work in unsafe conditions, especially during emergencies. Poor pay and working conditions have also caused many officers to leave. Six have quit in the last two years, and another nine are looking for new jobs.

On top of too few staff, the police also lack basic equipment. Their vehicles are in bad shape. They have two used cars from other police forces; one has driven over 115,000 kilometers, and the other has had its engine replaced. Two of their original cars are also clearly falling apart. Some motorcycles are over 20 years old, worn out, and unsafe to use, which officers say puts both them and the public at risk. The union also highlighted issues like insufficient uniforms, no ongoing training, and rundown police facilities, all of which make it harder for the force to do its job effectively.

To show how serious the problem is, about a dozen officers went to the last town council meeting. The union said this wasn't just a gesture, but a clear public warning. Since the local government (made up of Alternativa Icodense and PSOE) hasn't responded, CSIF plans to formally ask for their help at the next meeting. They want urgent action to hire more staff, update equipment, and improve working conditions to match the demands of the job. The town council has not yet commented on these requests.