The Funchal branch of the Socialist Party (PS) has welcomed the municipality’s decision to proceed with the creation of a Municipal Police force, arguing that the move comes years later than it should and vindicates a proposal the party has championed for more than six years.
In a statement, the party said the PSD/CDS-led municipal executive had “finally opened its eyes,” adding that the decision proves the PS was right to advocate establishing a Municipal Police service to strengthen surveillance in public spaces and improve public safety.
The comments follow remarks made yesterday by Funchal’s deputy mayor, Carlos Rodrigues, in an interview with Antena 1, in which he confirmed that the Municipal Police project will go ahead. However, he noted that the force will have more limited powers than the municipal police services operating in Lisbon and Porto.
According to Isabel GarcĂŞs, president of PS-Funchal, the announcement represents a significant change of position by the current administration.
She recalled that the PS had first advanced the proposal in 2019, when the municipality was governed by the Confiança coalition led by Paulo Cafôfo. At that time, the council launched the process of drafting regulations for the Municipal Police, beginning consultations with the Public Security Police (PSP), trade unions, night watch organisations and the political parties represented in the Municipal Assembly.
However, GarcĂŞs noted that the initiative was short-lived. In February 2019, the PSD secured approval in the Municipal Assembly, with the support of the remaining opposition parties, for a recommendation urging the council to abandon the project and instead strengthen the Municipal Inspection Department.
The PS says that after the change in municipal leadership in 2021, the project ceased to be a priority and was effectively shelved.
The party argues that rising levels of violence, growing public concern over safety and worsening traffic problems have reinforced the need for a Municipal Police force. Despite repeatedly raising the issue, the PS says the PSD/CDS executive consistently rejected its proposals.
The creation of a Municipal Police force was included in the PS manifesto for the 2025 local elections. During the current municipal term, PS councillor Rui Caetano also submitted a proposal calling for its implementation.
“We are pleased that the municipality has now announced the creation of the Municipal Police,” GarcĂŞs said. “This demonstrates that the PS was right in defending the need for a body dedicated to municipal inspection, prevention and the deterrence of violence and insecurity, allowing the PSP to concentrate on its core responsibility of combating crime.”
Despite welcoming the decision, GarcĂŞs criticised the PSD/CDS administration for what she described as years of unnecessary delay.
She argued that reports of assaults, robberies, threats and other violent incidents have become increasingly frequent, while traffic congestion has reached worrying levels. According to the PS, many of these problems could have been addressed sooner had previous municipal administrations been willing to consider opposition proposals on their merits rather than rejecting them because of their political origin.
What is a Municipal Police Force?
Unlike the PSP, a Municipal Police force is not a criminal police service. Its primary role is to enforce municipal regulations, oversee parking and traffic management, protect public spaces, monitor street trading and licensing, and support public order within the municipality.
Officers work closely with the PSP but do not investigate crimes. Instead, they deal with local enforcement issues, allowing the national police to focus on criminal investigations, emergency response and maintaining wider public security.
In Portugal, the best-known Municipal Police services operate in Lisbon and Porto, where they assist with traffic control, public events, environmental enforcement and municipal by-laws. Funchal’s proposed force is expected to have a more limited range of responsibilities, reflecting the city’s size and legal framework.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM
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