Elena Martínez has assumed the role of chief superintendent for the Mossos d'Esquadra in Badalona. She took command of the police station in early March. She aims to simplify daily life for residents. This involves focusing on community engagement and proactive policing. Martínez brings 26 years of service to the position. She previously worked in challenging Barcelona districts.

Martínez, from the 14th promotion of the Mossos d'Esquadra, previously served in "front-line" citizen security roles. Her experience includes assignments in Barcelona's Nou Barris and Sant Martí districts, areas known for their diverse communities. She values direct interaction with residents, calling it the most rewarding aspect of her profession.

"We must not only react, we must accompany," Martínez told Metrópoli Abierta in an exclusive interview after taking office. This philosophy guides her approach to policing in Badalona.

Martínez has taken over from Superintendent Alfons Sàrrias, who now serves as the second-in-command for the Metropolitan North police region. She describes Badalona, a city adjacent to Barcelona, as "dynamic and diverse." This complexity means simple assessments of public safety are not enough. While property crimes, such as violent robberies, petty theft, and home burglaries, generate significant vulnerability, objective data shows a recent decrease.

Prioritising Public Perception of Safety

Martínez stresses that statistics alone do not fully capture the reality of security. "The data is as important as the perception of insecurity," she explained from her office in the Pomar police facilities. Her strategy avoids stigmatising specific neighbourhoods. Instead, it focuses police presence where residents feel unprotected or where anti-social behaviour disrupts community life. This approach stems from her experience leading community policing initiatives.

Community-Focused Policing Model

Her time leading community policing in Nou Barris heavily influences her plans for Badalona. Martínez insists that security involves more than just responding to problems. It requires actively listening to citizens to prevent issues before they escalate. She defines this proximity model as a way to build trust, not just a slogan.

"We need Mossos who know how to question and answer, but above all who have the capacity for active listening," she stated firmly. "If we do not listen to citizens, we act outside their needs." This emphasis on dialogue aims to ensure police actions align with community requirements.

Tackling Repeat Offenders and Coordination

Martínez maintains a clear stance on coordination with the Badalona City Council, led by Mayor Xavier García Albiol. She describes the relationship as one of "total co-responsibility." The mayor's objectives align with her own, and coordination with the local police, the Guardia Urbana, remains "loyal, constant, and solid."

The fight against repeat offenders is a major social challenge, according to Martínez. She guarantees "zero tolerance" from Badalona police. The force is "obsessed" with targeting repeat offenders, acting firmly and "in accordance with the law." She did not comment on the judicial system's response to these cases.

Addressing Public Transport Crime

Regarding the increase in incidents involving knives and firearms, Martínez links higher detection rates to intensified preventive operations. Mossos d'Esquadra officers are present on public transport and streets. They aim to intercept individuals "who transit with violence." Martínez also addresses the "Renfe effect," where criminals travel by train from other municipalities. Police have increased identifications and reports to curb any criminal movement into Badalona.

Martínez acknowledges the constant need for more resources, a common request from any commander. However, she praises the "brutal and committed" team she found at the Badalona police station. She looks optimistically towards the future. She expects an increase in officers with the new promotion in August. Further deployment is planned until 2030, promising an "even quicker and more effective" response.

She also confirmed ongoing investigations into drug trafficking and illegal occupations. Martínez stated police will act against any behaviour that generates insecurity. Regarding controversial cases like the B9 eviction, she noted police execute judicial resolutions. She humorously mentioned arriving after her predecessor had already resolved that "inheritance."

When asked about her role as a woman in command, Martínez was direct. She sees herself as an equal. She passed six difficult competitive examinations on her own merit, often achieving higher scores than her male colleagues. "I don't feel superior or inferior. Gender is not at odds with professionalism," she explained. She accepts with pride being a role model for female colleagues following in her footsteps.

Her leadership philosophy for Badalona is to care for the internal team to better serve the public. "If I don't look after my police officers so they feel good, they will hardly provide a good service to citizens. Looking after them is as important outside as inside," she concluded.

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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.