This is what the resident and tourist have asking for over the last 20 years; way can’t anyone of the local police speak English or any other language, when over 50 % of the resident and 80 % of the tourists is foreigner from rest of Europe. The bad thing is when people need contact with the local police is it often a crime have happen, a housebreaking, robbing, ect. Now have Marbella community starting to train the new local police in English so the can in English help and give advices to us so our apartments, villas and other properties can be safer here in Marbella.
Sur in English write this article the 26.05.09. about it.
As well as language-learning their training will include making contacts with residents’ associations and charities.
Last Monday was the first day of classes for the 24 new Local Police trainees who gained a place on the force in the latest recruitment exams. After already getting through tough physical tests, theory exams and medical check-ups, they now face ten months of training in the Marbella Police Academy, in the basement of the police station.
This new intake will eventually go out onto the streets with an extra skill their predecessors were not required to acquire: English. Language classes have been added to the compulsory theory and practical syllabus approved by the Andalusian Public Security School (ESPA).
“English has never been part of the Academy’s compulsory basic training before. It was only taught as an extra option, but English is ever more necessary in a tourist town like Marbella where there are a lot of foreign residents”, explained the councillor or Citizen Security, María Francisca Caracuel.
Another novelty this year is that the trainees are to make contact with local residents’ associations and charitable organizations. They will get work experience in the local courts and their teachers include public prosecutors, judges, Malaga University lecturers, psychologists and Guardia Civil officers, among others.
As from July they will also gain hands on experience by accompanying some of the most veteran officers on patrol.
Some 1,310 applicants took the exams to gain one of the 24 places available. Only one of the successful candidates is a woman. The new officers should take up their posts on the force in March or April 2010.