Difference between the 3 types of police

Hi,The truth is that the Spanish police is essentially composed of three forces: the Guardia Civil, the Policia Nacional and the Policia Local. Some regions though have their own police forces – all of which, in these areas, are in the place of the Policia Nacional. 

Having to report an event (or someone) to the police is something some all of us have to do at some point in our lives. We might even be the ones reported; either fairly or unfairly. Approach the Spanish “Guardia Civil” (“Civil Guard” in English).

Police reports or denuncias are statements which anyone can make to law enforcement officers or public officers designated for this task in Spain. They are afterwards transferred to the appropriate agency for processing, investigation or resolution.

If you are going to make one, it is very important that you know what you are going to report. In particular, information associated with the events or the person you are going to report against. For example you need to know:

• Addresses
• Names and surnames
• The date and time of events
• The names and details of any witnesses

It is very important that you bring your passport with you as your main means of identification in Spain. If you have a NIE number or Spanish residency you will need them too.

Hope helps.

V

Hi,

    I had money stolen from my golf bag whilst playing at Lo Romero and went to the Guardia Civil in Pilar de la Horodada to report it. They would not allow me to log the robbery as I did not speak Spanish. At the time I was a tourist in Spain and had no Spanish speaking contacts, so the crime went unreported. Just be aware that if you do not speak Spanish you may need to take someone with you who does.

Aitch.

Crikey aitch, I hope that wasn’t recently. In my home town 120 different languages spoken; language line used if there’s difficulties🤪🥂

I can confirm that the Guardia Civil offices behind the tourist information offices in Playa Flamenca have a notice at the entrance desk which says if you do not speak Spanish you must take an interpreter with you to report an offence because none of the officers speak English. I find it a little strange in that many many Spanish people speak English to an acceptable standard. I can also see that there is the possibility of mis translations. I don't want to avoid the need to speak acceptable Spanish but the area makes a considerable amount of money from foreign tourists which could be used to facilitate those who only speak a little Spanish and protect the reputation of the area. It begs the question "How many people who go on a foreign holiday learn the language before booking?"

Hi Ange, no, not recently, it was in Jan 2017. It  did not put us of buying in Spain either as we bought our property that year, just made us more aware to be careful. What was strange was the officer who refused to take our complaint spoke excellent English, was very polite and friendly. We just thought it was a way of keeping the crime stats down, as the robbery went unrecorded. The guy in the Lo Romero golf shop translated my English worded report into Spanish but the GC would not accept that either.

Aitchc 

My Spanish tourist friend visiting in (UK) Northampton found a similar situation 

( how strange?)

"I find it a little strange in that many many Spanish people speak English to an acceptable standard."

V

aitch and Care4

How very strange. I’ve said this many times (yawn yawn), I can do menus, shopping and daily pleasantries in Spanish. It’s unlikely, as I don’t live there, that I will ever have the language skills to take me beyond that. I spend a great deal of time, when I’m in Spain, worrying and apologising, for my lack of Spanish.

I’m already worrying about trying to get a GP should I ever need one. Now I need to worry about talking to the police! Hey ho 🤪🥂

Villas, I may be wrong but I don't think that there are over 18 million Spanish tourists to the UK annually and over 450,000 ex pats living in the UK or that most visit specific areas of Britain. I am not decrying the Spanish only voicing an opinion. In the UK we have many immigrants and in most areas they are catered for in their own language either written or spoken. If the Spanish authorities decide that their way is the best way to serve their population then it is. However I still find it strange.

We, in Spain have many immigrants. My friends (although learning English) when in the UK felt assured with an English speaker to assist. They did not find it strange, only difficult to speak fluently other than ordering food/drinks etc. They were assisted very well with translation (with their own movil telephones), as I hope immigrants here may find assistance.

V