A meeting between the PSP and Associação Safe Communities Algarve (SCA) took place on December 10 to examine ways to further develop engagement between the police force and foreign residents.
Representing the PSP was Superintendente Jorge Maurício, Commander of the Faro District, who met with David Thomas, President of SCA, at the PSP Faro Headquarters. Also in attendance was Commissário Carlos Pinto, Commander of the PSP Portimão Division.
The meeting examined ways that the PSP could provide more information about their work and how residents can help the police in fighting crime. A number of ideas were discussed including joint seminars open to the general public.
Superintendente Maurício explained the PSP programmes currently in place, particularly those aimed at ensuring the safety of schoolchildren and the elderly.
Considerable effort is being made in terms of public education as a way of preventing crime, and the PSP also confirmed that overall crime was continuing to decrease in Algarve towns covered by the PSP throughout 2012 compared to previous year.
Superintendente Maurício said: “Although the majority of foreign residents live in the rural areas (which come under the GNR), many spend their leisure time in areas covered by the PSP such as Faro, Portimão and Lagos. It is therefore essential that residents are aware of the work of the PSP in case they require assistance or need to report a crime.”
David Thomas said: “Safe Communities Algarve is pleased to support the work of the PSP and looks forward to developing joint initiatives in the future.”
It was decided during the meeting to embark on a number of joint activities during 2013, including using the SCA website to promote the work of the PSP.
