The CSIF, a union organization in the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is demanding the immediate removal of the emblems used to decorate the booths serving as surveillance posts for the Local Police during the Carnival. These emblems are related to television programs, in line with the party’s theme.
The union believes that attempting to integrate the Local Police positions with the rest of the carnival decoration is inappropriate when considering the image of such an institution like the Local Police Corps.
“When we talk about the Police, we refer to figures of authority, not just a part of the entertainment. The officers carry out duties at the festivities to ensure the safety of citizens, but they are not participating in the festivities. We view Carnival from a professional standpoint; the two aspects should not be mixed. This jeopardizes the image of the Corps and undermines the institution,” states the union delegate, Jesús Illada.
The union organization notes that they confirm “the permanent inclination of politicians to portray the Police as friends of the public, as part of the party and fun, when in reality we are figures of authority. If society perceives us as equals, that principle is broken, leading to detrimental effects on public service.”
CSIF finds it “startling” that police officers face sanctions “for undermining the image of the Corps, when in this instance it is the administration itself that does so, contradicting the proverb about the blacksmith’s house wielding a wooden spoon.”
Consequently, the union demands the immediate removal of the said emblems, and that those responsible for the actions that have “defamed” the image of the Police Force be held accountable.
