A delegation from the Embassy of Chile, comprising the Chargé d'Affaires and Minister Counselor, Francisco Devia Aldunate, and the Carabineros Attaché, Colonel Gonzalo Muñoz Diez, visited various facilities of the Ertzaintza and the Department of Security this week. The aim was to deepen understanding of the structure, operational capabilities, and integral policing model of the Basque Autonomous Police, strengthen institutional cooperation ties, foster the exchange of good practices, and explore new avenues for collaboration in security, training, and police specialization.
Over three days, the Chilean delegation held various working meetings and visited several units and facilities of the Department of Security, where they gained firsthand knowledge of the organization, functions, and areas of specialization of the Ertzaintza.
The visit began on Wednesday, June 17, at the Central Headquarters of the Ertzaintza in Erandio, where the Carabineros Attaché was received by the Ertzaintza's leadership. Subsequently, they held working meetings with the Criminal Investigation and Judicial Police Directorate, with particular interest in the areas responsible for investigating drug-related offenses and crimes against persons. Later, they visited the facilities of Scientific Police, Internal Affairs, Ekinbide, and Cybersecurity Coordination.
On Thursday, June 18, the Chilean representatives traveled to the Police Center in Iurreta, where they met with the Central Directorate of Tactical Support and learned about the functions of the Mobile Brigade, the Explosives Disposal Unit, and the Surveillance and Rescue Unit. This day allowed for showcasing the operational capabilities of these specialized units and their role in police response to complex situations.
That same Thursday afternoon, with the participation of the Minister Counselor and Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Chile, the delegation met in Erandio with the Deputy Minister of the Department of Security, Ricardo Ituarte, and the Director General of the Basque Academy of Police and Emergency Services, Jon Goikolea. They explained the functioning of the Department of Security and the training programs conducted in Euskadi in the field of public safety.
The visit concluded today, Friday, June 19, at the Basque Academy of Police and Emergency Services, where they were received by the Academy's team. They shared the study plans for the various degrees and ranks of the Ertzaintza and accompanied them on their visit to the Basque Police Museum.
This visit has strengthened institutional cooperation between the Ertzaintza and Chile's representation in Spain, as well as advanced the exchange of experiences and best practices in strategic areas for public safety.
