The Region of Murcia has developed a pioneering draft decree that will enable local councils to equip their police forces with new certified defence tools, such as tasers and JPX devices. This initiative was announced by the Minister of the Presidency, Spokesperson, External Action, and Emergencies, Marcos Ortuño, at a press conference following the Government Council meeting. The objective is to provide local police with additional resources to respond securely to any potential incident, using appropriate means for each situation.

This is the first regulation of its kind in the Region of Murcia, clearly defining the tools local police may use in high-risk situations. The decree is expected to not only provide officers with more tools to better protect citizens but also offer legal security and unify criteria across all municipalities. Ortuño confirmed that the draft will be sent next week to various related organisations and institutions, including the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia and local police unions.

One noteworthy aspect of the decree is that it will allow members of Special Citizen Security Units, where such units exist, to use long firearms. The Minister reiterated that security is a continual commitment of the regional government and noted that further measures will be implemented as part of the ‘Region of Murcia + Safe’ Strategy to enhance street safety. The Community plans to invest one hundred and twenty million euros to ensure a local police force of three thousand by twenty thirty.

In addition, the plan will improve coordination between police forces in different councils and encourage technological innovation. Conseller Ortuño expressed the desire for families to feel secure in their neighbourhoods, ensuring that both youth and the elderly feel protected. He emphasised that while the Region of Murcia is already a safe place, more contributions from the central government are required, especially considering that it has the lowest number of police and civil guards per one hundred thousand inhabitants. A meeting has been requested with the new government delegate in Murcia to address the need for additional officers.