The Canine Unit of the Getafe Local Police now consists of four dogs: Harald (Belgian Malinois), Dona (German Shepherd), Vega (Springer Spaniel), and the recently added ‘Lucas’ (Braco). The unit expects to welcome a fifth dog, a Springer currently in training, and another Belgian Malinois next year.
These dogs, alongside the unit's officers, participate in various prevention and security operations for the Local Police. They are regularly present during foot patrols, in shopping centers, public transport, school and public building checks, and vehicle inspections during alcohol and drug tests.
In parallel, the Getafe Local Police, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), conducted a special campaign to monitor and control driver distractions from October 5th to 11th. A total of 1,671 vehicles were checked across the municipality's eleven districts, resulting in 27 fines. The most frequent offense was the improper use of mobile phones, accounting for 22 sanctions, followed by the use of headphones, earpieces, and manipulation of screens.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the risks of distractions such as searching for songs on a mobile, writing messages, reading news, seeking information, taking photos, talking without hands-free, or consulting GPS, which are significant contributing factors in traffic accidents. The Citizen Security delegation also reminded the public about other classic distractions like lighting or paying for a cigarette, and fatigue or sleepiness, highlighting their role as risk factors that impair necessary attention, particularly in accidents involving fatalities.
