Santa Cruz de Tenerife Reactivates Unipol Specialized Police Unit
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has reactivated its specialized Unipol police unit, deploying 36 trained officers equipped with new technology to enhance public safety and rapid response across the city.
Public safety in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is set for a boost this weekend with the return of the Local Police’s specialized intervention unit, Unipol. After a hiatus since 2021, the unit is back with 36 officers and commanders tasked with increasing surveillance across the city and improving responses to busy areas.
The unit’s return includes updated operational protocols. Over the past two weeks, officers have completed intensive training covering everything from managing checkpoints to handling large public events. This training placed a strong emphasis on the legal use of force, ensuring that all actions remain proportionate and consistent, while also introducing new technical equipment.
The team will operate from a newly upgraded base in Los Campitos. They have also received new gear, including electronic control devices and non-lethal pepper-ball systems, for which the officers are now fully certified. To ensure they can move quickly across the city, the unit has been equipped with four vans and a pick-up truck.
The reactivation of Unipol comes as demand for security grows in the Canary Island capitals, particularly for managing public order in nightlife districts and other high-traffic areas. By reintroducing this unit, the municipal government aims to have a rapid-response team ready to handle complex situations that require more than standard police patrols.