The delegate of the Government in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, presided on Thursday the institutional act of the XXIII Private Security Day, a day that has served to recognize the "dedication, professionalism and social commitment" of professionals in the sector, whose work has qualified as "essential" as a complement to the State Security Forces and Bodies.
The event, held at the Santander Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses, brought together regional, local and judicial authorities, and paid tribute to 54 professionals in the sector for their trajectory, as well as two women who have received honorable distinctions: Lieutenant Colonel of the Civil Guard María Pilar Villasante and Commissioner Carolina Chaves, head of the Provincial Citizen Security Brigade of the National Police.
During his speech, Gómez de Diego highlighted the role of private security as a "special collaborator" of the public security system, with a presence in key areas of daily life and a notable weight in the economic fabric of the country. “In Spain we have more than 140,000 vigilantes and more than 1,300 registered companies; in Cantabria, about a thousand professionals,” he said.
It has also warned of the challenges facing the sector, such as technological integration, work stress and the need for continuous training, and has demanded the dignification of the figure of the security guard.
Gómez de Diego also alluded to the latest data from the Ministry of the Interior’s crime balance, which reflect a 5.8% decrease in conventional crime in Cantabria in the first quarter of the year, consolidating the community as one of the safest in Spain. However, it has warned of the growth of cybercrime, which already accounts for more than 30% of recorded crimes.
In a message of thanks, the delegate stressed that "citizen security is not among the main concerns of society" thanks to the joint work of police forces and private security. “Spain is one of the safest countries in the world and Cantabria is one of the safest regions in the country,” he said.
The day ended with a special mention to the award-winning women, whom Gómez de Diego has defined as “referents” and has taken the opportunity to claim a greater female presence in the security forces. “We must continue to work for the full incorporation of women in all sectors, including security,” he stressed.
The delegate concluded by reiterating the commitment of the Government of Spain to public security and the provision of more human and material resources to the State Security Forces and Corps, in a model of “loyal and effective collaboration” with private security.
The event was also attended by the Mayor of Santander, Gema Igualó; the First Vice-President of the Parliament of Cantabria, Alejandro Liz; the Councillor for Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality, Begoña Gómez; the President of the High Court of Justice of Cantabria, José Luis López del Moral; the Superior Prosecutor of Cantabria, Jesús Arteaga; the Superior Chief of the National Police in Cantabria, Carmen Martínez; the Chief Colonel of the Civil Guard, Antonio Orantos; and the Private Water Commissioner, Commissioner, Luis.