HE JUPOL union reports that the majority of the National Police criticized the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ call for agents to adopt stringent safety precautions as inconsistent and cynical. They argue that while measures are announced to guard against possible terrorist threats, the force cannot even equip its officers with basic protections to perform their duties safely and effectively.
Even with this heightened warning and the reality of ongoing terrorist threats, including Hamas activities, thousands of National Police officers have faced intensified demands. In Alicante province, hundreds of officers were involved in recent incidents, yet they lack essential protective gear. Bulletproof vests, adequate shields, and ballistic helmets remain insufficient, and the quantity of submachine guns available to police units remains inadequate to meet the current security needs.
Ibón Domínguez, a representative of JUPOL, pressed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Directorate of Security to stop presenting the situation as a mere profile issue and to disclose the truth. He called for clear, practical measures to inform all agents before issuing any document that attempts to obscure shortcomings. He asserted that the National Police already possesses all necessary resources to ensure optimum safety conditions for their work.
As the union has previously reported, JUPOL has filed multiple lawsuits with the General Directorate of Security for failing to comply with the Occupational Risk Prevention Act by not providing regulatory bulletproof vests. The unions await court decisions on cases filed in Alicante and Elche.
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The union stresses that beyond vests, there is a growing shortage of shields and ballistic helmets. These items are critical to protecting officers in the event of attacks. The organization also condemns the shortfall in submachine guns allocated to units involved in counterterrorism efforts.
JUPOL notes that although 460 submachine guns have been acquired in recent months, the current inventory of Scorpion Evo 3 A1 weapons remains clearly insufficient, especially in light of the rising terrorism alert level. The union urges rapid actions to bolster equipment and ensure parity between risk level and protective resources for police personnel.
In this context, the need for transparent accountability and timely provisioning becomes a priority. The safety of officers on the street directly affects public security and the ability of law enforcement to respond effectively to evolving threats. The discussion around protective gear and weaponry reflects a broader concern about occupational safety standards and the obligation to provide workers with the tools necessary to perform their duties with confidence and security.
Experts and observers note that a well-equipped police force can deter threats, facilitate swift responses, and maintain public trust during periods of heightened risk. The ongoing dialogue between the union, the police leadership, and the government highlights the essential balance between operational readiness and the protection of those who serve on the frontline.
Ultimately, the situation underscores the need for clear policies, timely procurement, and rigorous oversight to ensure that all officers have access to appropriate protective equipment, including vesting, shields, helmets, and adequate firearms, so they can carry out their duties with professional integrity and with the safety of both officers and civilians in mind. _[citation: JUPOL statements]_