Last checked: 6 October 2026
The short answer: Spain has several police forces, not one. In Valencia city you’ll mostly meet the Policía Local (blue uniforms, call 092) for traffic, noise and local bylaws, and the Policía Nacional (black uniforms, call 091) for serious crime and immigration paperwork. The Guardia Civil (green uniforms, 062) covers roads, rural areas, borders and the coast. In any emergency, just call 112: it’s free, works 24/7, and answers in English.
Key Facts
- 112 is the single emergency number for police, ambulance and fire. In the Comunitat Valenciana it answers in Spanish, Valencian, English, French and German.
- 091 reaches the Policía Nacional, 092 the Policía Local, and 062 the Guardia Civil.
- The Policía Nacional also runs the TIE and fingerprinting appointments for foreign residents.
- The Guardia Civil, founded in 1844, is a military-status force that reports to both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. (Guardia Civil)
- Catalonia (Mossos d’Esquadra), the Basque Country (Ertzaintza) and Navarre (Policía Foral) have their own regional police; the Canary Islands have the Policía Canaria.
- In the Comunitat Valenciana, a unit of the Policía Nacional attached to the Generalitat, known as the Policía de la Generalitat, handles regional matters such as protecting natural parks.
- Some minor offences, such as theft without violence or lost documents, can be reported online to the Policía Nacional; you then sign the report in person at the station within 72 hours. (Legalitas)
If you’ve spent any time in Spain, you’ve probably noticed that not all police officers look the same: different uniforms, different cars, different vibes. Spain runs a multi-tiered system, with forces at the national, regional and local levels, and knowing which is which saves you a wasted trip or a wasted phone call when something goes wrong.
Who’s who at a glance
The national level: two forces, very different styles
The Guardia Civil. Founded in 1844, it’s a police force with military status, under both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. Officers wear dark green and patrol highways and rural areas, and handle border security, counter-terrorism, environmental protection, coastguard duties and mountain rescue. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, the regional police take on most of these duties. Official website
The Policía Nacional. An armed civilian force that handles serious crime in urban areas, including sexual assault, muggings, violent crime, drug offences, organised crime and terrorism. Officers wear black. For international residents, it’s also the force behind your TIE: fingerprinting appointments and card collection happen at Policía Nacional stations. Official website
The regional level: a few exceptions worth knowing
The blue-uniformed Policía Local work for the town hall. Towns with more than 5,000 residents can set up their own force. They handle minor crimes, traffic violations, noise complaints, parking and local bylaws. In Madrid they’re called the Policía Municipal, and in Barcelona the Guardia Urbana. In Valencia, it’s the Policía Local, on 092.
Reporting a crime
To report a crime, make a denuncia at a Policía Nacional station, or with the Guardia Civil outside the city. For some minor offences, such as theft from a home or car, damage, or lost or stolen documents, you can start the report online at policia.es and then sign it in person at the station within 72 hours. Anything involving violence or intimidation must be reported in person. Insurers usually ask for a copy of the denuncia, so keep it.
FAQ
112. It’s free, works 24/7 from any phone, and covers police, ambulance and fire.
Yes. 112 Comunitat Valenciana answers in English, as well as Spanish, Valencian, French and German.
The Policía Nacional is a civilian force that covers cities. The Guardia Civil has military status and covers roads, rural areas, borders and coasts.
The Policía Local, on 092.
At a Policía Nacional station. If there was no violence, you can start the report online and sign it in person within 72 hours.
Related guides
- New in Valencia: Guides for Settling In
- NIE vs TIE: What They Are and How to Get a Cita in Valencia
- Valencia and DANA: What Every Resident Should Know
