UK officers to support Spanish colleagues in tourist hotspots

Two officers from West Midlands Police, a sergeant and a police constable, will patrol alongside Spanish colleagues in the resorts as part of their annual summer tourist security initiative.

The trial, funded by and planned in conjunction with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will build on an already successful initiative run by the Guardia Civil that sees their officers policing various tourist hotspots with colleagues from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Morocco.

As part of the trial the officers will perform a variety of supportive roles, including assisting Spanish colleagues with any investigations where UK nationals are involved in crime either as victims, witnesses, offenders or in any other way, as well as taking part in proactive patrols to offer reassurance to tourists and locals alike.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead on International Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said:

“We routinely work with foreign forces to help tackle crime, gather and share intelligence and develop our officers’ skills and knowledge.

“This trial deployment of officers to work alongside the Guardia Civil is a further step in developing these strong links and builds on the success that Spanish colleagues have seen when working with colleagues from other countries in a similar way.

“Their presence will offer reassurance to both locals and UK citizens in areas that significantly increase in population during the busy summer holiday season and provide support to victims of crime during what can be a traumatic experience, especially when away from home.”

West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson said:

“West Midlands Police is keen to support European police cooperation. We recently received support from Lithuanian and Romanian forces in operations in our region and we play an active part working with EuroPol. We are pleased to offer this support, which is fully funded, to Spanish colleagues and is done to help and support the safety of UK nationals.”

The British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, added:

“This trial reflects the close cooperation between our two countries on policing and security matters. The presence of UK police officers will help to remind British holidaymakers of the importance of respecting local laws and customs, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday, free from trouble and crime.”