The Professional Union of Local Police and Firefighters (SPPLB) has reported that a significant dearth has arisen in Benidorm, as a result of the 66 vacant local police positions. According to the union, the retirement of 32 officers will result in an additional reduction in the workforce over the next two years, resulting in a challenging employment situation for the entire group.
The retirement of numerous officers is the primary cause of the police force shortage, which has persisted for an extended period. The department’s ageing is evident and has an impact on the complete workforce. For this reason, the union branch has contacted the Benidorm City Council to encourage the Spanish Government to abolish the current replacement rate and create public employment opportunities.
Many of the police officers who joined the force in the 1990s will retire in the coming months, as the reduction in service continues its generational logic, according to the union. “The gap is ongoing, as two colleagues are retiring this week, and a total of 30 will retire over the next two years,” emphasises union spokesperson Francisco González.
The union is advocating for the establishment of public employment as a solution to the endemic situation that is effecting the police. The situation is expected to deteriorate over time, and new retirements are occurring at the age of 59, some of which are premature.
The hiring that city councils are conducting through service commissions or temporary staff pools is the “patchwork” to which the union spokesperson refers. However, these endeavours are “insufficient” to ensure the provision of efficient services “for the benefit of public safety.” Additionally, the police are assuming new responsibilities on a daily basis, which makes it even more imperative to fortify these services. These responsibilities include the surveillance of public establishments, tourist accommodations, and gender-based violence units.
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