The CSIF union, with representation in the local police force of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has raised concerns about the inadequate deployment of officers during the summer months in the city on weekdays, due to municipal staff holidays, resulting in a 50% reduction of the already limited number of officers.
The union highlights that in the decree issued by the City Council, governing the special services allowed in the Local Police, the acting commissioner specified on June 20, 2024, that “as in previous years, due to staff vacations in July, August, and September, service personnel will be reduced by around 50%.”
While the daily traffic intensity usually decreases during this period, there is a rise in summer-specific activities that demand a higher presence of officers, such as increased visitors at the beaches and swimming areas of the municipality.
In response, the CSIF argues that “the additional workload facing officers will not be offset by off-duty police officers assigned to compensate for the security gap, tasked with covering the Los Charcos de Valleseco and Calle Castillo areas, leaving the remaining officers to handle the rest of the city.”
Therefore, the union is advocating for increased reinforcement of the local police force in summer, as “the Human Resources budget has not been fully utilised, with only 75,273 euros spent out of the approved budget of 85,687 euros, compared to 87.73% utilisation in 2023.”