Overview

GNR Silves is a division of the GNR Faro District Territorial Command. It comprises a number of units within the Divisional Headquarters as well as four land subdivisions stretching to Lagoa and Armacao de Pera in the south. These sub divisions are responsible for mobile and foot patrols in their areas.

The current Commander of the division is Pedro Fernandes, Capitão de Infantaria.

The division comprises a diverse community with many traditional villages in the north and a number of holiday resorts in Carverio and Armacao de Pera. During the summer months these areas swell through the influx of tourism.

The headquarters in Silves, includes the Special Programs Unit, comprising the Safe Residence Program Team, the Safe Elderly unit as well as programs covering Safe Commerce the Schools Programme. One of their main responsibilities is environmental policing through the SEPNA unit. Those wishing to report animal cruelty can contact SEPNA using the contact details for the Division.

Another headquarters unit deals with investigations within their areas of responsibility. More serious cases are investigated at District level and cases where large amounts of drugs are involved or firearms can be passed to the Judicial Police.

Apart from daily police activities, the Division undertakes the policing of major events in particular the Silves Medieval Festival held in August. This brings tens of thousands of people to the area.

GNR Silves and Safe Communities Algarve work closely together and have held a number of joint displays and seminars, in Silves and Messines, covering crime prevention, the Safe Residence Program, the work of SEPNA and civil protection in respect of forest fires.