Toledo.- The delegate of the Government of Spain in Castilla-La Mancha, Milagros Tolón, presided today in Toledo the commemorative act of the Day of Private Security, “where we meet to recognize, value and put in the place that deserves the work carried out by companies and thousands of professionals who every day contribute to guarantee our security.”

An event in which the work of 30 private security professionals has been recognized and which has also been attended by the Subdelegate of the Government of Spain in the province of Toledo, Carlos Ángel Devia; the Superior Chief of Police of Castilla-La Mancha, Javier Pérez Castillo; and the Colonel Chief of the General Staff of the Civil Guard of Castilla-La Mancha, Santiago Mata.

Effective and necessary

Milagros Tolón stressed that tribute was paid “to a sector that is an essential part of the security and civil protection system of our country. A sector that is a further sustenance in the framework that protects the rights and freedoms of citizens. And we do so in a context where collaboration between security forces and private security is increasingly close, more effective and more necessary.”

A more than deserved tribute, “because security does not understand colors or uniforms. He understands commitment, preparation, dedication and professionalism. And those are the values that we recognize today.”

The delegate of the Government congratulated, first of all, “the professionals and companies that today receive distinctions for their trajectory, their exemplary work and their outstanding contribution to security and coexistence in our land. They are an example for everyone and everyone. My most sincere congratulations. Because your involvement in crime prevention, in the protection of critical infrastructures, in the surveillance of public and private spaces, in the control of access to events and shows and in so many other functions contributes to Castilla-La Mancha remaining one of the safest regions in Spain.”

Crime rate

And he has offered figures: “Our autonomous community is 10 and a half points below the national average in crime rate and the province of Toledo is five points below. Data that encourages us to continue deepening the coordination to improve and increase security in our towns and cities. For this, we have a human capital within the private sector that is a great asset. We have seen it in recent examples where your role has been very valuable.”

Examples that Milagros Tolón has summarized in two very concrete cases this work:

First, “during the episodes of heavy rainfall and damage that we have experienced in this region in recent years, where private security has performed essential tasks of support to the authorities, control, protection, help and coordination with public services.”

Or, more recently, “in the electric blackout of April 28 and in the cable theft of the AVE that left hundreds of people on trains detained, when security guards were present at stations, helping to guarantee the safety of travelers, collaborating with the State Security Forces and bodies and facilitating the recovery of the service.”

Silent and always effective work

A job, said the delegate of the Government, “often silent and always effective with services and attention that went beyond the purely labor or business commitment. For all of this, today is a day to thank the constant work of men and women who are part of a sector that does not rest. It watches over us when we sleep, protects key infrastructures and contributes to economic and social development from surveillance and prevention.”

Hence the importance of some diplomas “that recognize this effort. They value the many hours dedicated to ensuring that the exercise of economic, leisure or social activity takes place in an environment of tranquility and stability. A dedication that would be unworkable if you did not count on the support of your relatives, many of whom are with us here today, and to whom I extend my congratulations and gratitude.”

Dignify your work

Milagros Tolón recalled that from the Government of Spain “we are fully aware of this work. From the Ministry of the Interior and from this Government Delegation we maintain and strengthen a fluid and constructive relationship with the companies in the sector and with their professionals. We are committed to continuing to improve operational coordination with the State Security Forces and Corps, to promote specialized training, to promote access to new technologies and to continue dignifying the work of those who work in private security.”

Because, said the government delegate, “security is not a static concept. It is a right and a guarantee that is built day by day, in a network, with shared responsibility. For this reason, public-private collaboration is key in the State’s security strategy. And the commitment of the Government of Spain is firm: to continue recognizing, supporting and strengthening this sector. Because a safer society is a freer, more prosperous and more united society.”

Milagros Tolón ended his speech “reiterating my congratulations to the winners and my thanks to all the professionals who are part of this sector. Thank you for your dedication, your professionalism and your commitment to the safety and well-being of all. Let us continue to work together, based on trust, collaboration and shared responsibility.

Today more than ever, we need modern, humane, effective security at the service of the citizenry. And in that mission, private security is and will remain an indispensable ally.”