Police in Valencia

Law enforcement in Valencia is organised across three agencies. These are the local police, Policia Local, national, Policia National and the civil guard, Guardia Civil. In the case of an emergency, the number to call is 112.

The police force appears to be ever-present and is highly visible on the streets. It may come as a surprise to some expats that officers are generally courteous and approachable.

Policia Local

The local police is overseen by city hall and concentrates on preventing crime, settling minor incidents, traffic control, and, perhaps surprisingly, intelligence gathering. As is the case with other law enforcement agencies, officers carry arms. Anyone needing to reach them should dial 092 in the city or 088 for the regional police

Anyone who is in the unfortunate position of being robbed should report the theft to the local police station in the neighbourhood where they live. The same holds true should anyone fall foul of online fraud. After reporting the incident to your bank, filing the crime with the local police is also necessary.

Policia National

The Spanish national police is, amongst others, responsible for issuing national identity cards and passports, controlling persons entering or leaving the country and legislation on foreigners, refuge and asylum, extradition, expulsion, emigration and immigration. Their remit also includes counter terrorist matters, investigation of organised and drug-related crime as well as illegal immigration networks. The number to call is 091.

International residents in Valencia can come into contact with this agency when wishing to acquire an elusive NIE, the personal, unique and exclusive identification number assigned to foreigners. The police station on Calle de Bailèn, 9 next to the north railway station is often the place to visit. 

Guardia Civil

The Spanish civil guard is a military-style law enforcement agency answering to both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. Their officers are fare less noticeable across the city of Valencia. 

Besides sharing areas of competence with other agencies, it holds exclusive authority in certain areas, These include arms and explosives, protection of the state, preventing and pursuing smuggling, surveillance of traffic as well as  conservation of nature and the environment.

Assisting, protecting and helping civilians includes intervention during natural catastrophes. Furthermore, citizens rights have increasingly become a focus, especially gender-based abuse. Specialised staff at their Family and Women Assistance Unit can be contacted for support and action concerning domestic or sexual violence. Either through calling 112, 062 or via email.

By Vincent Green, Mar 8 2024