The STAP union, with representation in the Local Police of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, has alerted about the critical operational situation experienced during the first weekend of June. Several afternoon shifts had only one patrol of two officers to cover the entire municipality, which spans 333 square kilometers and hosts thousands of residents and tourists. On occasion, the service barely reached three officers, one of whom voluntarily joined on his day off to reinforce the staff.
The consequences of this staff shortage were immediately apparent. According to incident reports, more than six citizen requests were pending on Friday afternoon, a figure that rose to thirteen on Saturday. Furthermore, there were delays in responding to emergencies and difficulties in covering various events held over the weekend. STAP notes that this situation is not an isolated incident, with numerous shifts lacking specific Public Security patrols recorded throughout May.
The problem has extended into the current week. Last Monday, a fire in Tunte required the deployment of one of the only two police officers patrolling the municipality, leaving the rest of the term attended by a single officer. On Wednesday, a serious incident at Maspalomas beach, which necessitated the intervention of a helicopter, was handled by a single available officer to secure the area and assist emergency services.
Concern is particularly high within the Beach Unit. STAP warns that there are frequent days with no specific patrols or only one officer responsible for monitoring over 25 beaches and 32 kilometers of coastline. This situation is reminiscent of what was reported last year following a serious hit-and-run incident in Playa del Inglés.
The context further exacerbates the situation, as official data from the Ministry of the Interior indicates that violent and intimidation-based robberies increased by 105% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year, while petty thefts rose by 51.2%, particularly affecting tourists in commercial areas and beaches.
For STAP, the root of the problem is structural. Of the 30 positions announced in the latest selection process, only 18 officers joined, and another procedure to fill 32 new positions has been delayed for over two years. Additionally, they criticize the lack of extraordinary measures to reinforce services through voluntary calls.
“"The current situation is not a consequence of a lack of commitment from the officers, but rather the failure of planning and decisions made over recent years that have prevented adequate sizing of the police force. Citizens deserve a Local Police force commensurate with the real needs of one of Spain's most important tourist municipalities."
“"One of Europe's main tourist destinations cannot face the start of the high season with minimal patrols, unguarded beaches, and insufficient staff to adequately meet public safety demands, prioritizing economic savings over the proper provision of public service and the safety of the officers themselves."
STAP demands that the City Council immediately adopt measures to reinforce morning and afternoon operational shifts, expedite pending selection processes, and adequately plan the necessary human resources to guarantee a police service aligned with the municipality's reality and needs.
