Workplace absenteeism continues to be an issue for the Trapagaran Local Police. Earlier this year, a shortage of officers led to the temporary closure of the police station for a day, as none of the five officers assigned to an afternoon shift reported for duty. The PNV, the main opposition group, has denounced the «deterioration of the service», arguing that the lack of personnel is creating a growing sense of insecurity.
Addressing the situation, the town's mayor, Miguel Ángel Gómez Viar (PSE), stated that there are currently five officers on leave, with one scheduled to return next Monday. The force consists of twelve officers, three first officers, and one sub-officer. However, two of the first officers are on leave, while the third, meeting the requirements, has taken on sub-officer duties pending the official announcement of the position.
“"We have been assigned four officers, but they must first undergo a training period at Arkaute. They will be able to join the Trapagaran police station at the earliest by the end of the year."
In response to this situation, the Council has requested reinforcements from Arkaute. The mayor explained that four officers have been assigned but will need to complete a training period in Arkaute before they can join the Trapagaran police station, likely «by the end of the year». To address the staffing shortage until then, alternative temporary solutions have been explored. According to a treasury report, hiring four officers until the end of the year would cost approximately 137,000 euros, a sum the City Council, lacking an approved budget, cannot afford. However, replacing three vacancies is more feasible, leading to the reservation of a credit of around 102,000 euros to draw from employment pools.
