Bulletproof vests are “the last barrier between the police and imminent danger (firearm shooting or assault with a knife)”, so its absence could cause “damage to the health of police officers”. The theory seems to be clear to the General Directorate of Police (DGP), which in November 2024 justified this the acquisition of “4,760 integral public order vests”.
However, far from providing agents with the means to protect their lives, at a time when attacks on police officers have skyrocketed, they decided to divide this acquisition over four years (2025-2028). Thus, if this tender is approved, the total value of which amounts to 8.6 million euros, Only 1,190 units would be distributed per year.
The Spanish Police Confederation (CEP) considers that this movement is nothing more than proof of “how much it costs the Interior to make a real, powerful and definitive effort to protect police officers.” And, if the deadlines are met, the agents of the Police Intervention Unit (UIP) and the Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR) “They wouldn’t have their full-face vest for two years”.
At this point, one may wonder what the so-called “integral vest” is, which replaces the well-known bulletproof vest. As explained by the General Directorate of the Police, it is a “current, multipurpose and compact equipment, since it combines the collectively provided ballistic vest with the specialty anti-trauma vest“On the other hand, we are facing a “bulletproof, anti-knife and anti-puncture vest”. What amounts to being an “all in one” that, in addition, is more “logistically and economically advantageous” for the National Police.
“Indecent” treatment of agents
The final cost of each vest would amount, according to the DGP Report, to 1,505 euros (without VAT). Its objective is to protect the agent “covering the torso (chest and back), neck, shoulders, arms and pelvis”. Likewise, it must be comfortable, light, flexible and ergonomic, allowing the police officer to “carry the service weapon, perform two-handed manipulations and fire in standing and lying positions.”
And although these teams are designed for the UIP and UPR units, the CEP denounces the forgetting of the GOR, Operational Response Group“who also face riots in the first instance and those who This is an indecent way in terms of means of protection“.
Needless to say, the tendered quantity is insufficient and that the objective of combining “so many functions” in one vest is also due to the search for reduce costs by the ministry led by Fernando Grande-Marlaska. However, we must not overlook another important detail that appears in that Report of the General Directorate of the Police, which refers to “compliance in the prevention of occupational risks.”
At this point we must talk about Royal Decree 2/2006 of January 16 establishes a series of rules on the prevention of occupational risks in the activities of officials of the National Police Corps. The agents have reported therepeated failure to comply with this rule and everything indicates that this new strategy on the part of the Interior implies a “facelift” in this sense. So much so that the DGP assures that, with this tender, “the circular on the mandatory use of bulletproof vests” is complied with.
But to this day, non-compliance remains flagrant, since the new Interior tenders are “years ahead.” From the Spanish Confederation of the Police they assure that the Executive sells it as something “historical” figures that are “testimonial and almost an offense” for the 72,000 agents of the Corps.
Taser and personal recording cameras
This new Interior strategy is reflected, not only in this contract for “comprehensive public order vests”, but in other purchases of material such as tasers and personal recording cameras. As explained by the CEP, currently The National Police has 1,600 electrical immobilizers, a ridiculous figure if we take into account that there are 72,000 agents in the Corps. Well, from the DGP they announced the purchase of 3,500 more tasersan amount that is still insufficient and will also not be delivered immediately. The purchase is in four yearsso agents will receive 700 each year.
And the same goes for the lack of personal recording cameras, 4,000 currently. The General Directorate of the Police announced the acquisition of 7,000 new devices, between 2025 and 2028. An expense of 10.38 million, which will not cover the needs of the agents. “The figure is still insufficient to guarantee the legal security of police officers in many interventions in which it would be vital to be able to record what happens,” this union insists.
In short, the agents denounce the Interior’s maneuvers to wash its image in the face of data that continues to warn of a lack of resources and investment: “When what is at stake is life or physical integrity, everything is not enough.”