A court in Elche has rejected an appeal by former Torrevieja Police commissioner Vicente Gutiérrez to remain in active service beyond the age of 65. The Administrative Court Number One upheld the town hall’s decision to refuse the extension, confirming that specific legislation governing the security forces sets the retirement age for Local Police officers at 65.

Gutiérrez, who reached retirement age on 11 April 2025, had sought to extend his service until 66 years and eight months in order to qualify for 100% of his pension. However, the judge ruled that while some public officials may continue working until 70 with administrative approval, this exception does not apply to Local Police officers. The court also stated that Social Security already recognises him with a regulatory base higher than the maximum state pension.

The former commissioner has confirmed that he will appeal to the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community. Similar legal challenges have been launched by other senior police officers in Alicante province.

Since his retirement, Torrevieja’s council has appointed a new Director General of Police and introduced structural changes, including increasing the force to 180 officers and preparing to add 20 traffic mobility officers to support frontline policing duties.