Portugal’s Interior Minister, Luís Neves, has met with local authority leaders and security officials across the Algarve as part of preparations for a new investment programme covering police staffing, infrastructure, and CCTV systems.
According to the Ministry of Internal Administration, the purpose of the visit was to hear directly from local authorities and senior police officials about the region's main operational and crime-related challenges, whilst assessing first-hand the need to modernise and upgrade police facilities.
Discussions focused on increasing police numbers, strengthening neighbourhood policing and the visibility of security forces, expanding CCTV coverage, refurbishing or rebuilding police stations, and the possible creation of municipal police forces.
The minister stressed that modern, fit-for-purpose facilities are essential to enable police officers to carry out their duties "with dignity, efficiency, and motivation". He added that providing officers with improved equipment, vehicles and operational resources would enhance their ability to protect local communities effectively.
Accompanied by the Secretary of State for Internal Administration, Telmo Correia, the minister visited the Algarve on Tuesday, 23 June, touring several facilities operated by the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Public Security Police (PSP). His itinerary included the GNR station in Castro Marim, the Police and Customs Cooperation Centre, and PSP stations in Olhão and Portimão.
During the visit, Luís Neves also held meetings with the mayors of Castro Marim, Olhão, Loulé, Albufeira and Portimão.
The meetings and site visits will feed into preparations for the next Security Forces Programming Law, which will set out planned investment for the 2027–2031 period.
The ministry said the tour reflects the Government's commitment to modernising Portugal's security forces and improving working conditions for police officers, reiterating that "investing in security is investing in public peace, the well-being of our communities and the protection of Portugal".
Luís Neves became Minister of Internal Administration in February this year, succeeding Maria Lúcia Amaral. The Algarve visit forms part of the minister's ongoing programme of regional consultations, which he has been conducting since taking office.
Source: diariOnline Região Sul
Photo credit: Sul Informação
