The expectation is that, in 2025, officers “will be able to have firearms, which are provided for by law, in addition to the devices they already have”, said the mayor, during the commemorative session of the 21st anniversary of the Coimbra Municipal Police.

“In my personal opinion, it would not be necessary to use weapons, but this is yet another circumstance in which my personal opinion does not prevail”, stressed José Manuel Silva.

The president of the National Union of Municipal Police (SNPM), Pedro Oliveira, in statements to journalists, clarified that this was a demand from the SNPM, “but it reflects the voice of officers who feel a sense of insecurity in their interventions because they do not use firearms, despite using electric weapons and pepper spray”.

“There are many attacks on the police, unfortunately, there are citizens who are not acting in good faith, who use firearms and are not licensed”, stated Pedro Oliveira, adding that a tender for the acquisition of the equipment will begin next year.

There will be around 44 weapons for officers, who are already trained to use the device, but who will also receive “new training and adaptation”, although the new members, who received the Municipal Police badge today, are “up to date with their shooting skills”, because they have only recently completed the course, “so they are prepared for this”.

During the session, 14 interns received the Municipal Police badge, in a force composed of 50 officers (including the new members), four drivers and eight administrative staff, revealed the commander of the Municipal Police of Coimbra, Celso Marques.

Regarding the operational activity of the Municipal Police in 2023, the commander reported that 10,523 reports of administrative offences were drawn up, 492 vehicles were removed for improper parking, 335 vehicles were flagged for abandonment on public roads, 679 notifications of elevator inspections were drawn up and 485 owners were notified to clean their land.

José Manuel Silva also stated that the municipality is “investing in the human resources of the Municipal Police” through various measures, such as training activities and the provision of new uniforms.

“We want to continue investing within our means, particularly despite some minor interventions having been carried out, in the obvious need to improve the facilities in which you carry out your mission”, assured the mayor, referring to the Municipal Police station, located on Avenida Sá da Bandeira, in the city centre.

“We are determined that these facilities will be improved in the medium/short term”, he stressed.