Overview

GNR Portimão under the Command of Captain Pedro Pereira, is the second largest in terms of land area with a relatively low population density of 81 people per km2. The area is divided into six divisions from Portimão in the south to Monchique in the north. Westwards the Division covers Odeceixe and Aljezur.

The area ranges from isolated properties mainly located in the north and west, to the large towns of Portimão and Lagos in the South.

For policing, the towns of Lagos and Portimão are under the responsibility of the Public Security Police (PSP) and the remainder, including the outskirts of these towns, falls under the remit of the GNR. This requires regular close liaison between the two concerning policing activities and operations. In the event of a crime being reported at a GNR station, but which occurred in an area under the PSP, the case will be transferred to the latter – and vice versa.

Due to the vast area this presents various challenges for the GNR in terms of patrols. The area is also very hilly in places with unsurfaced roads. As such the Safe Residence Program plays an important role as does the Safe Elderly program, both of which come under the Special Programs team. In addition to these two programs the team are also responsible for the Safe Schools program and the Safe Commerce program.

Monchique poses another challenge as it is often in summer months at “very high” or “extreme” fire risk levels. The GNR responsibility in respect of forest fires is prevention through the work of SEPNA Portimão, and in the event of a major fire, the possible deployment of GIPPS to undertake rescue and firefighting work using special equipment. GIPPS falls under the Command of the GNR Faro Territorial command.

The divisional headquarters unit (NIC) undertakes investigations within their areas of responsibility. More serious cases are investigated at District level in Faro and cases where large amounts of drugs are involved or firearms are usually passed to the Judicial Police. The unit has had some major successes particular as regards to cannabis growing and trafficking.

GNR Portimão and Associação Safe Communities Algarve maintain a close relationship and meet and exchange ideas and information on a regular basis. There have several joint displays and seminars covering civil protection in Monchique, crime prevention in Praia da Luz, Lagos and Monchique, pet cruelty in Portimão.