Call for more regional police for pandemic fight
The force has played a fundamental role during the pandemic
THE VALENCIA government has called for urgent reinforcements to strengthen the regional police force, which is at the forefront of the battle against infringements of new laws designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Councillor for justice and the interior, Gabriela Bravo noted that the force had been hit by ‘sick leave’ and it was necessary for her department to be able to rely on 500 officers to carry out their work.
Sra Bravo noted that since the fining procedures which cover the Covid-19 regulations came into force on July 26, regional police have handed out 496 sanctions to people who were not wearing face masks, or wearing them incorrectly, which incurs a fine of up to €100.
They have also carried out 2,482 inspections of nightspots and other premises during this time. Sra Bravo noted that legal proceedings were started against 15% of the 482 establishments they visited in August after they were found to be flouting the new regulations.
The councillor reminded that regional police officers form part of the National Police force, but make up an independent unit which is ceded to the Valencia region by the national government.
During a meeting with the head of the unit, Marisol Conde, the needs of the regional force were laid bare, she noted.
Sr Bravo added: “During the pandemic they have proved to be a fundamental strategic element to ensure that the measures against the propagation of Covid-19 are observed.”
The national government would have to arrange provision of additional officers to boost the force, via the ministry for the interior.
Since March 14, the unit has carried out tasks beyond its normal remit of inspecting businesses – and has helped to transport and protect more than 100 convoys of medical equipment, as well as carrying out checks on vehicles and other operations. The councillor explained that during the summer the regional force has been paying specific attention to nightlife establishments and bars, in conjunction with the Guardia Civil, National Police and local police forces.
She praised the work that the regional force has done during the pandemic, noting that they have ‘once again shown their professionalism’.