60 Officers Sworn In to Strengthen Public Safety

Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has welcomed 60 new officers to the Guàrdia Urbana during a ceremony held Tuesday on Rambla del Raval. The recruits bring the total number of active officers in the municipal police force to 3,392. Of the 60 new recruits, 57 are men and three are women. Thirty-three have transferred from other police or security forces, while 27 recently completed training at the Public Security Institute of Catalonia.

Barcelona needs you on the streets and always serving the citizens.

Collboni addressed the recruits directly, stating: "Barcelona needs you on the streets and always serving the citizens." The event was attended by police personnel, municipal councillors, and local residents.

The mayor highlighted that citywide crimes dropped by 11.2% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with fewer thefts and bladed weapon incidents. Despite the improvement, Collboni urged caution: "Let's not relax." All Guàrdia Urbana patrol vehicles will be equipped with bladed weapon detection paddles, part of a broader effort to curb weapon-related crime. This follows a reported 45% rise in shootings during the first semester of 2026, with Barcelona identified as the epicentre. To reinforce public order, the city plans to install 21 new video surveillance cameras on Rambla del Raval by the end of October. The initiative targets repeat offenders and aims to improve safety in one of the city’s most densely populated areas.

Public space belongs to everyone, and we will combat incivility, but at the same time, we will strengthen contact with residents, merchants, and entities.

Collboni reiterated the municipal government’s commitment to defending civility and coexistence, pledging stronger community engagement alongside enforcement measures.

Reported by betevé.