The Eibar City Council has reinstated its neighborhood police service, deploying four Local Police officers to patrol residential areas. This initiative aims to enhance security and coexistence, strengthening the relationship between the police and the community through prevention and rapid response to incidents.
The new officers are operating in areas such as Amaña-Legarre, Urki-Ipurua, Jardiñeta-East Zone, and the City Center. They conduct patrols on foot and by motorcycle, increasing their presence and visibility in parks, school environments, shops, and high-traffic areas. This service has been implemented using existing personnel from the Municipal Police force, without the need for new hires.
“"The launch of the service is already a reality that is being noticed in the daily life of the city. The objective was to have a proximity police force that would be present before problems arose, listen to the citizens, and know firsthand the reality of each neighborhood."
The role of these neighborhood officers extends beyond mere surveillance. Their work also focuses on mediation, prevention, and the early detection of coexistence issues or needs for improvement in public spaces. Municipal sources indicate that the officers are already providing support in educational centers, monitoring sensitive public areas, and collaborating directly with merchants, neighborhood associations, and social groups.
The initial assessment of the service has been positive, both from citizens and within the police force itself. According to the City Council, this first phase represents a firm step towards a police force more integrated into urban life. This service was first introduced in the 1980s and is now being reincorporated into the municipal services structure.
