Two officers from the French Police Nationale have begun patrolling the most tourist-heavy areas of Benidorm this August alongside the National Police. The initiative aims to strengthen public safety and enhance assistance for foreign visitors, particularly French holidaymakers staying in the city.
These joint patrols are part of the European Police Stations project, which Spain launched in 2008. Under the scheme, the National Police coordinates with security forces from various European nations during peak tourist periods.
Spain has expanded this international safety collaboration over the years, partnering with police forces from Portugal since 2012, Italy since 2014, Germany since 2020, and the Netherlands since 2022. This marks the sixth year the project has operated in Alicante province.
In addition to assisting tourists from their home countries, the deployment allows visiting officers to gain first-hand experience of how the Spanish National Police operates across different operational sectors.
The French officers participate in uniformed patrols, primarily on foot, although police vehicles are also used when required. Their patrols focus on high-density tourist areas to prevent street crime and heighten the visible presence of security.
Key duties include direct interaction with the public and foreign tourists, assisting with translations, accompanying victims when filing police reports, and bridging communication with Spanish authorities.
One key focal point is Benidorm’s popular leisure district at the intersection of Calle Gerona and Avenida Derramador, which sees heavy footfall and a high concentration of venues during the summer season.
The area is also served by a dedicated foreign tourist attention office. According to municipal figures, the facility assisted around 3,900 people last year and has already supported approximately 2,400 tourists so far in 2026, highlighting the strong ongoing demand for assistance among international visitors.
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