Jaime Martínez Llabrés presents the ECOP, a new police unit aimed at combating incivility in Palma. Formed by 30 agents, the Community Proximity Team has issued over 1,000 reports of infractions in just two months, with 400 related to scooter users. The mayor highlighted the commitment to «a more effective police force on the streets,» in line with improving public safety so that Palma «returns to being an orderly and respectful city.»
Palma, April 7, 2025 – The mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, unveiled the Community Proximity Team (ECOP) on Monday, a new police unit designed to combat incivility and represent, in the words of the mayor, «another step in our commitment to reinforce security in Palma.» Comprised of 30 agents from the latest promotion, they are divided into two shifts, morning and afternoon.
The scope of ECOP’s activities, which is part of the Community Police, covers the entire municipality of Palma, and the agents patrol the streets on foot, reflecting «the commitment to a more effective and present police force in the neighborhoods.» The mayor noted that ECOP’s tasks stem from the previous work done by neighborhood police officers and the Security and Coexistence Tables (SeCon Tables), bimonthly meetings involving representatives of neighborhood associations, allowing agents to deploy according to citizens’ demands.
During the presentation, Martínez Llabrés explained that the primary goal of the new unit is to combat incivility by ensuring compliance with municipal ordinances. Additionally, the mayor highlighted various policies aimed at combating incivility, such as hotspots patrols for 18 and 24 hours in areas like Plaça d’Espanya, Parc de Ses Estacions, or Plaça de les Columnes, as well as the creation of the new Drone Unit.
More than 1,000 reports in two months of operation
Since its launch in February 2025, ECOP has issued over 1,000 reports related to incivility throughout the city, including 400 fines for improper scooter use. The agents have conducted up to 300 surveillance operations and have provided continuous coverage in three key points in the city center: Dalt Murada, Parc de la Mar, Calle Sant Miquel, and Plaça Major, aiming to combat illegal street vending, pickpockets, and other activities affecting the peace of residents, merchants, and visitors.
Furthermore, they have conducted controls with the motorized unit (UMOT) and have carried out interventions in parks and squares alongside the Preventive Action Group (GAP), focusing on crime prevention and problem-solving related to noise, dirt, gatherings, traffic, and improper parking, as well as incivility linked to pet ownership and unauthorized advertising, among others.
The mayor emphasized the work done in recent months to eliminate behaviors that disrupt the daily lives of the thousands of law-abiding citizens of Palma. He stated that one of the main pillars of his government program is public safety and civility. He also underscored the budget for 2025 in security matters exceeding 136 million euros, the historic call for 170 new positions to elevate the Local Police to a top-level force, and the addition of 275 new agents by the end of the year, nearly the full 300 pledged for this term.
Moreover, Martínez Llabrés emphasized the improvement of material resources, including the acquisition of surveillance cameras and drones, as well as enhancing security facilities in Palma, including the new police station in Estaciones and the future Llevant barracks.
FUENTE