German police are patrolling the Costa del Sol during high summer – with more foreign coppers set to come

HOLIDAYMAKERS on the Costa del Sol are getting a pleasant – or perhaps not-so  – surprise this summer as they spot police officers from their own countries patrolling alongside their Spanish counterparts.

Two officers from Berlin’s Polizei are currently stationed in Malaga city and Torre del Mar – a heavy favourite with German tourists – whilst a Dutch Politie officer has also joined them.

A German officer patrols Malaga on foot, by vehicle and with the Policia Nacional. 

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She also works in the Foreign Tourist Assistance Service Office at Plaza de la Marina. She takes reports and helps German-speaking tourists.

Meanwhile in Torre del Mar, the foreign officers are a regular presence at local festivals – including the recent Weekend Beach festival – concerts and leisure areas, as well as in neighbouring Velez-Malaga.

Hotel guests are frequent travellers. chiringuitos Commercial establishments can connect with German-speaking tourists, tourism sector managers and other commercial establishments.

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“Tourists feel pleasantly surprised when they recognize police officers from their home countries,” said the Spanish police. 

The foreign officers, wearing their distinctive national uniforms, are part of the ‘European Police Stations’ project that has been running for over a decade to boost security and assistance for international tourists during the peak summer months.

The project was launched in France in 2008, and expanded to Portugal in 2012, Italy 2014, and Germany 2020. It aims to bring familiar faces to tourists who are often delighted to see police officers from their own countries.

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The foreign officers serve as advisors, translators, and helpers, helping to bridge any linguistic gaps between Spanish Police and international visitors.

The program has proven so popular, that more deployments have been added every year. In the coming weeks, officers from other countries will be arriving in Malaga.

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