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How do I contact the Spanish police?

Author

Emma Newman

Published Feb 18, 2026

How do I contact the Spanish police?

Reporting crime

While in Spain, you can also call a dedicated English-speaking police line on +34 90 210 2112 from 9am – 9pm 7 days a week, or file a police report online for minor offences such as bag or car theft.

Similarly, what do you call Spanish police?

The Policía Nacional or Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (literally, the National Police Corps, or CNP) has a civilian status and deals with criminal offences and public order in big towns and cities (65.000).

Similarly, how do you call emergency in Spain? The Important Emergency Numbers to Call

If you have a key emergency and require the police, fire brigade, or an ambulance then the number to call, no matter where you are in Spain, is 112. You don't need to dial an area code, and the operator should be able to speak a range of different languages, including English.

Consequently, what is the 911 in Spain?

All emergencies in Spain: Call 112

You can always reach 112, even on a mobile phone without a Spanish SIM card.

How do I report a crime in Spain?

You can report a crime on the phone, simply by calling your local police station. You can find the number of the nearest police station here. Be aware that, if you don't speak Spanish, you should call the English-speaking number created specifically for tourists, which is 902 102112.

Do Spanish police have guns?

They have no police powers and do not have firearms, but they can be "helpful to visitors" and can support higher-level Policia officers in dealing with traffic management, crowd control and people who are, for example, drunk and disorderly.

Are Spanish police armed?

All police forces are armed in Spain, all officers carry hand guns, which they are prepared to use to defend themsaleves or the public if needed.

What are Spanish police like?

Spanish police are generally extremely helpful and go out of their way to be of assistance. However, corrupt policemen dealing in drugs, prostitution and other organised crime aren't uncommon, and a disturbing number of policemen have run amok with their guns.

How long is police training in Spain?

Education / Training

The senior staff has to pass 5 years of police and military education in the academies and they receive a university degree as Lieutenants of Guardia Civil. The basic staff have one-year training in the academy and one-year on-the-job-training before graduating as “Guardias Civiles”.

What is the equivalent of 999 in Spain?

If you are in Spain, or any other European country, the number to remember is 112. Repeat with us, “in an emergency, dial 112”, and forget what you may have heard about that other three digit number. The 9th of September, is recognised as 999 day in the UK, which is why we thought it appropriate to mention.

Are French police armed?

There are three main categories of law enforcement in France: the National Police, the Gendarmerie, and local municipal police forces. Municipal police forces are not always armed, and there are strict restrictions on the types of weapons that they are allowed to carry.

What happens if you call 911 in Ireland?

You're probably aware that when you phone 999 (or 112), the operator will ask what emergency service you need. If there's no request, the assistant will ask you to 'cough', or make some other audible indication in the case of a police emergency.

Is a 900 number free in Spain?

800 and 900 numbers are freephone numbers in Spain. The called party pays the cost of the call.

Why is 911 emergency number?

In 1968, AT&T announced that it would establish the digits 9-1-1 (nine-one-one) as the emergency code throughout the United States. The code 9-1-1 was chosen because it best fit the needs of all parties involved.

Which country has 911 emergency?

What are the emergency response telephone numbers in foreign countries – police, ambulance, etc.?
CountryAmbulance (Cell)Police (Cell)
Canada911911
China120110, 122
Colombia119119
Costa Rica911911

What happens if you dial 999 in America?

999 is a valid prefix in the North American Numbering Plan, and there can be a valid local (seven digit) number that begins with 999. All prefixes that end with a double 1 (211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811, 911) are reserved as “service codes”. 911 is universally emergency services.

Is it 911 or 999?

Take the phone number everyone rings in case of an emergency. All across North America it is 911, and in Britain it's 999. Well, Britain and Ireland.

What happens if I call 112 by accident?

When you dial 000 or 112 (international emergency call number), you are connected to a recorded message before the call is answered by a Telstra operator who will ask whether you require police, fire or ambulance. The call is disconnected after three requests if it goes unanswered.

Is 911 the same in every country?

ITU standard: 112 or 911

AP reports that member states have agreed that either 911 or 112 should be designated as emergency phone numbers — 911 is currently used in North America, while 112 is standard across the EU and in many other countries worldwide.

Does 911 respond to text messages?

Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. But even in areas where call centers accept text-to-911, existing voice-based 911 service is still the most reliable and preferred method of contact.

What number do you ring for emergency?

This is the number for the emergency services - the ambulance, police and fire services. You should only call the 999 emergency number if: there's a medical emergency – someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

How do I call an ambulance in Spain?

The emergency number in Spain to call an ambulance, fire brigade or the police is 112.

What are other countries emergency numbers?

  • China – 999 in most large cities. Elsewhere, 120* Hong Kong – 999. India – 102.
  • Egypt – 123*. Tourist police – 126. Ghana – 999.
  • Australia – 000. New Zealand – 111. Fiji – 911.
  • Guatemala – 120* Barbados – 511* Jamaica – 110*
  • Argentina – 107* (911 will work in certain areas as emergency dispatch) Bolivia – 118* Brazil – 192*

Are ambulances free in Spain?

For those that are chronically ill or in need of constant transport, ambulances are about €10 a month. Otherwise, emergency transport should be covered by the public system at no extra charge.

What happens if you dial 911 in Europe?

Dial "112." Don't call 911 as you would in the United States; that number doesn't work in Europe. Dialing 112 from any country in the European Union (EU) will connect you to emergency services, such as police, fire, and ambulance services. (See the list of European Union member countries.)

How do I denounce someone in Spain?

How do you denounce? 1. In writing, by submitting a written document, which must be signed by the person submitting the accusation, or if the person cannot present the complaint, by another person Who at their request, will sign it.

What happens if someone denounces you in Spain?

In Spanish the word denounce is “denuncia” and it is a complaint about something or someone. The police will investigate and see whether or not there is a case to answer, The police force you have been to have an obligation to investigate the crime and to decide whether to pass this over to a public prosecutor or not.

How do I report tax evasion in Spain?

You can file a report with the Tax Agency, if you have knowledge of an irregular tax situation. Not anonymously though, you need to give your name and NIE number. You can access with digital certificate or Cl@ve Pin, but without electronic ID as well.

How do you make a Spanish denuncia?

You can make a Denuncia at any local Police Station or Guardia Civil police station. (This would be usual but it is possible to go directly to the Court also). If you wish to do this at the Police Station in person then you either need to be able to speak Spanish, or take somebody that can speak Spanish with you.

How do you address an officer in Spain?

A police officer you would almost always address as “Officer Smith”, and therefore you would use “usted” with them.

Do Spanish police speak English?

Many speak reasonable English, which is why foreigners living in Spain will often deal with the Policia Nacional first, as they're more likely to be able to understand what the problem is. The Policia Nacional wear dark blue uniforms, often with dark blue baseball-style caps.

How do I report a crime in Tenerife?

A much easier way to file a report is to phone the Central Office, which is multi-lingual, on 902 102 112. When they answer, simply say "English please", and they will connect you with someone who speaks your language. You can also carry out this process by visiting the police website.