This expansion increases the staff from 50 to 84 members, a selective process initiated in 2023 that covers all vacancies in the Job List (RPT) prior to the transfer of the management of Teide National Park in January. The reinforcement aims to enhance prevention, surveillance, and response to environmental crimes.
One of the main destinations for these new agents will be Teide National Park, where the number of personnel will increase from two to 14. Additionally, three new specialized units will be created: one for investigating forest fires, another focused on flora and fauna, and a canine unit for detecting poisons in wild fauna.
“"The Island needs a prepared, visible, and specialized body to face challenges such as pressure on protected areas, forest fires, and crimes against biodiversity."
The agents, who highlighted the rigor of the selection process, reiterated their authority status and their administrative and judicial police functions, with the capacity to submit reports and complaints to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office. Agent Ángeles Reyes emphasized the staff shortage and the growing pressure on protected natural areas, especially due to public land use and saturation.
The Minister of Natural Environment, Blanca Pérez, announced specialized training starting on April 14 to improve service quality. Meanwhile, the Island Director of Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, stressed that this reinforcement will correct the accumulated staff deficit and improve resource distribution, aiming not only to increase sanctioning capacity but also to strengthen prevention and environmental education.
