When strolling through Alicante this June may notice something unusual: Italian police officers patrolling alongside Spain’s Policía Nacional.
There is no cause for concern. The officers are taking part in the European Police Stations programme, an international initiative designed to support tourists and strengthen cooperation between European police forces.
Italian police on patrol in Alicante
For much of June, two experienced officers from Italy’s Polizia di Stato will work alongside Policía Nacional officers in Alicante.
Their patrols will focus on tourist hotspots, shopping areas and other busy locations across the city.
As well as helping prevent crime, the Italian officers can assist Italian visitors who need help with translations, police procedures or reporting incidents.
Helping tourists feel more at ease
One of the main aims of the programme is to make foreign visitors feel more comfortable when dealing with local authorities.
Tourists who find themselves in difficulty can speak directly to officers from their own country, helping to overcome language barriers and simplify communication.
The visiting officers wear their normal Italian police uniforms, making them easy for fellow Italians to identify.
A long-running European project
The European Police Stations programme first launched in 2008 in partnership with France.
Since then, several other countries have joined, including:
- Portugal in 2012
- Italy in 2014
- Germany in 2020
- The Netherlands in 2022
This year marks the sixth time Alicante has participated in the scheme.
More than just tourist support
The programme also allows officers from different countries to learn from each other.
During their stay, the Italian officers will work with units including Seguridad Ciudadana (Public Safety) and Policía Judicial (Judicial Police), gaining insight into how Spanish policing operates.
At the same time, Spanish officers take part in similar exchanges elsewhere in Europe.
An arrest on day one
The initiative got off to a busy start.
During their first patrol with Alicante’s Grupo Operativo de Respuesta (Operational Response Group), the Italian officers helped arrest a 48-year-old man suspected of theft in a busy city-centre street.
According to Policía Nacional, the suspect allegedly stole a smartwatch and a portable battery pack from a shop.
Officers quickly recovered the items after stopping the man nearby.
Police also discovered that the suspect had a history of similar offences and several outstanding court orders linked to Alicante.
Extra support during the busy summer season
The arrival of the Italian officers coincides with the start of the summer tourist season, when Alicante welcomes thousands of international visitors.
As a result, the programme helps provide extra support in some of the city’s busiest areas.
So if you spot a couple of Italian police officers walking around Alicante this month, there is no mystery behind it. They are simply helping local police keep visitors safe while offering a familiar face to tourists from Italy
