During its first ordinary meeting, the body, chaired by Popular Party (PP) councilwoman Eva Cólogan, addressed citizen security as one of its central themes. Both neighborhood groups and citizen representatives voiced their concern over limited police activity outside main thoroughfares, requesting a greater deployment of foot patrols to enhance the sense of security, particularly in areas affected by squatting or minor conflicts.
“"They demand a greater deployment of officers on foot and closer interaction with citizens to improve the sense of security in some parts of the municipality, especially where residents detect more cases of occupation or minor conflicts."
This concern arises in a tense context, as unions representing La Laguna's Local Police have expressed dissatisfaction over outstanding payments and a lack of material resources. Six of the seven union federations have called for the resignation of the Citizen Security councilman, Badel Albelo, citing a “manifest loss of suitability” and a “breakdown of institutional trust.”
The deputy commissioner of the Local Police reported that the municipality has 215 officers, a number that, according to Eva Cólogan, is insufficient to meet the demands of a territory spanning over 100 square kilometers. The councilwoman emphasized that “there can be no real coexistence if La Laguna residents do not feel safe and children do not grow up in a protected environment,” mentioning recent interventions such as an attempted sexual assault in San Matías and a violent robbery in Tejina. Additionally, police reinforcement will be requested in La Cuesta and Taco, identified as areas with higher conflict levels.
“"In fact, with official data, we are the second safest municipality in Spain, after Albacete, and the first in the Canary Islands."
In contrast, councilman Badel Albelo defended the municipality's safety during the last plenary session of the La Laguna City Council, stating it is the second safest in Spain and the first in the Canary Islands. The meeting also addressed the “tense situation” generated by the visit of Vox leader Santiago Abascal in October, when the Local Police had to intervene due to the glorification of Francoism, limiting their role to drafting a report without the authority to restrict the presence of public officials.
The Citizen Coexistence Commission of San Cristóbal de La Laguna aims to promote citizen coexistence and protect public assets, including natural, urban, historical-artistic, architectural, and cultural heritage. It is structured into four blocks: municipal bodies, municipal representation, social representation, and legal assistance.
