Since 1st March, agents of the Arona Local Police have encountered a straightforward notification indicating that they are unable to access the Eurocop police technology platform from their computers and other devices due to the City Council’s failure to renew the maintenance contract. This platform is essential for various administrative, strategic, judicial, emergency, and numerous other operations (including access to guides, maps, etc.), and since that date, it has not been available to the police of Arona.
Reports from informed sources suggest that the issue has persisted since the agents began receiving this notification on their devices in early March. The problem also impacts other systems, including those related to traffic.
This situation is part of a broader pattern of contractual non-compliance, such as the medical insurance for city employees, which expired on 28th February but has been extended until August with the same provider, despite concerns about fund allocations and contradictory reports from the contracting department suggesting no further extensions should occur and that a new tender process should be initiated. Furthermore, the insurance provider (DKV) has shown reluctance to continue these services, as highlighted by the socialist opposition. This also coincides with a recent penalty against the Arona City Council for labour inspection, linked to the Ministry of Tourism and Employment, due to the absence of the required oversight system after an evaluation related to a work-related accident involving a participant in the 2023-24 Training and Employment Program.
Additionally, the opposition has pointed out that an investigation has been initiated regarding missing funds from municipal fees and material, though it has been met with criticism as the disciplinary process involving the employees concerned was carried out improperly, leading to the annulment of the sanctions and the internal measures that were imposed.
According to the PSOE opposition, this situation clearly illustrates the “chaos,” “improvisation,” and lack of foresight and coordination during the current administration under Fatima Lemes (PP), who was previously part of a coalition with CC and other groups, and since January has partnered with CC and the far-right Vox party.
The local government has informed this newspaper that the Eurocop contract is presently with the contracting department for future tendering.
