San Miguel de Abona Police Face Leadership Crisis Amid Legal Battles and Staffing Shortages
The San Miguel de Abona Local Police force is facing an institutional crisis marked by rapid leadership turnover, costly court-ordered reinstatements, and criminal allegations of assault among its ranks.
The San Miguel de Abona Local Police are facing an institutional crisis that has moved beyond simple management issues and into the courtroom. As reported by El Día, the force has seen three different chiefs in just one month—a period of instability that the socialist opposition warns is undermining a vital public service.
The conflict began in August 2023, when the Councilor for Citizen Security, Julián Jesús Martín, removed Sub-inspector José Domingo Rodríguez Donate from the leadership role he had held since 2021. The councilor claimed the move was due to a lack of "operational necessity," but the High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) later ruled the dismissal unjustified. The court ordered the City Council to reinstate the officer and pay his back wages, a cost to taxpayers estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 euros.
The handling of this situation has been highly controversial. The councilor proceeded with the removal despite legal advice from the Human Resources department warning against it. Furthermore, the process to fill the position permanently was canceled in October 2023, even though technical reports indicated the force was operating at only 40% of its recommended staffing levels. The City Council denies any political wrongdoing, citing staff absences and a commitment to better resource management as the reasons for the changes.
The situation has now turned criminal. The current police chief has filed a complaint with the Civil Guard against his predecessor, alleging a physical assault took place at the police station. While a lower court has already issued a conviction, the case remains subject to appeal.
PSOE spokesperson José Carlos Rodríguez has criticized the constant turnover and legal battles, calling for stable leadership and more professional management. The ongoing crisis highlights the risks local governments face when administrative decisions ignore technical advice, leading to both financial strain and a breakdown in police hierarchy.