Policía Nacional

The bigger towns and cities are covered by The Policía Nacional who are responsible for the more serious crimes committed in their areas. Their uniforms are blue, however there is also a large contingent in plain clothes, some of whom form special squads dealing with drugs, terrorism etc. Their headquarters are known as comisarías, where things such as issuing passports, DNIs (identity documents) and residence cards for foreigners are dealt with.

Policía Local

In their blue-and-white uniforms, this force is often referred to as the Policía Municipal and is responsible for matters such as parking, traffic and bylaws. They are controlled by city and town councils and although Spain has no real equivalent of the ‘bobby on the beat’ street-patrol police they can often be seen patrolling the local areas, maintaining a high visibility level.

Guardia Civil

The roads, the countryside, villages, prisons, international borders and some environmental protection come under the responsibility of the green uniformed Guardia Civil.

Originally formed in the 1844 their mission was primarily to combat the alarming lawlessness in the roads and lands of the country due to the activities of bandits since the War of Independence, whilst protecting "people and properties within and outside urban settlements" and always assumed all tasks related to public order protection. As its efficiency became more apparent, the Guardia Civil was increasingly assigned with more responsibilities; functions as crime investigation police, customs police, public assistance, rural protection (specifically assumed by means of the 7th July, 1876 Act) and military police.

Today the Guardia Civil also renders important services in peacekeeping missions in countries where the United Nations Organisation enlists the Spanish presence.   

Regional Police

Four of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities have their own police forces in addition to the above: Catalunya (the Mossos d’Esquadra), the Basque Country (the Ertzaintza), Valencia and Galicia.

Contacting the Police

In order to obtain assistance in an emergency, call the numbers below:-

Policía Nacional  091   Policía Local 092   Guardia Civil 062

For non emergency assistance contact your local Police Station, details of which can be found here.

Contact details for Guardia Civil offices can be found here.