Local police create dedicated unit to tackle truancy, bullying and youth violence
Torrevieja has introduced a new specialised School Patrol within its Local Police force to strengthen the safety and wellbeing of students and educational centres. The service, presented by the City Council’s Education and Local Police departments, will start on Monday, September 8.
Led by inspector Tomás Quesada, the unit includes two patrol teams trained as “agent tutors” by the Generalitat Valenciana. Their mission is to monitor students with recurring truancy, control school access, and ensure security around entrances, exits and nearby areas. They will also act as a point of contact for schools in cases of bullying, violence, substance abuse or technology addiction, and provide preventive talks on issues such as cyberbullying and responsible social media use.
The new patrol complements nearly 30 Local Police officers already deployed daily at Torrevieja’s schools. It will coordinate with families, school management, social services, health departments and the juvenile prosecutor’s office to address vulnerability and support minors effectively.
Councillor for Education Ricardo Recuero called the initiative “a major qualitative step in protecting and supporting schools and children,” while Councillor for Police and Security Federico Alarcón said it strengthens trust between young people, families and law enforcement.
Torrevieja reports a school dropout rate below 3% — far better than Spain’s 13% and the Valencian Community’s 12.88%. City officials aim to eliminate absenteeism completely as the local student population continues to grow, with several new schools planned to meet demand.
