b) Autonomous Community Police Forces. Madrid does not have its own police force; the only autonomous communities that do are Catalonia and the Basque Country.
c) City Council Police Forces, i.e., local police, which are responsible for security in public places and urban traffic.
The Madrid local police force (www.munimadrid.es/policia) acts only within Madrid, except in emergency situations and when so required by the competent authorities. This force orders, signals and directs traffic in the city, provides assistance in the event of accidents and disasters, collaborates with State Security Forces in demonstrations, and maintains order in large crowds. The force also carries out crime prevention measures.
The free number to call in case of an emergency is 112. The 112 emergency number is for emergency calls for accidents, fires and rescue, security, and civil protection, regardless of the public organisation that provides the service.
The National Police has a telephone number for reporting crimes (902 102 112), which is available in several languages. Crimes can also be reported online at https://www.policia.es/denuncias/
The Madrid City Council, in conjunction with the State government office in Madrid, has launched the Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero
(Foreign Tourist Service - SATE) to support visitors and to facilitate the
processes and information required in the event of an occurrence requiring police intervention (lost or stolen belongings, etc.) This service is staffed by a multi-lingual specialist team (English, French, Japanese and Russian). Its main task is to provide personalised psychological, linguistic and legal assistance to foreign tourists subject to incidents during their stay in Madrid. The service helps to report crimes, handles legal procedures, cancels bank cards and credit documents, contacts embassies and consulates, and processes lost property paperwork. The SATE service is provided at the Comisaría Centro de la Dirección General
de la Policía (Central Police Headquarters of the Directorate General of
Police) (C/ Leganitos, 19) and is available year-round from 9:00 to 22:00 hrs.
In August 2006, the Madrid City Council implemented a new initiative to improve the safety of foreign tourists: a 32-language simultaneous translation service available at the Oficinas Móviles de Atención al
Ciudadano de la Policía Municipal (Municipal Police Mobile Services Offices). This service removes the barrier between police officers and visitors, and tourists that are victims of a crime can provide details and ask questions in their own language.
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In Spain, specific authorisation from the Civil Guard is required for carrying or owning any firearm. The Civil Guard is the only agency responsible for firearms and explosives in the country.
Arms are classified into seven categories, taking into account their characteristics, level of danger and intended use. Owning and using arms belonging to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th.2 and 7th.3 categories, requires a firearms licence.
Complete information on the requirements, documentation, and training tests for requesting the licence are available on the Civil Guard website: www.guardiacivil.org or at Ministerio del Interior: www.mir.es
Firearms
Pets
Certain health and identification regulations must be met for the transfer of pets to Spain. At times the entry of certain animals, mainly exotic animals and birds, may be temporarily restricted due to health reasons.
Spain applies the same regulations for bringing animals into the country as the other European Union countries. These regulations state that all pets must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate or pet passport, depending on the species. Dogs, cats and ferrets must comply with a series of health and identification measures before entering Spain. These measures may vary depending on the country of origin. In the majority of cases, pets must have been inoculated against rabies. REGULATIONS AND TIPS
Endangered species may not be brought into Spain as pets, due to international agreements on the protection of endangered species. Before starting a journey, it is advisable to ask accommodation and transport companies whether they allow animals and the conditions they might apply.
The following requirements apply to the most common pets (cats and dogs), once they are in Spain:
• The animal must be identified with a microchip. Further information:
www.colvema.org/identificacion-perros-gatos.asp
• The pet must have a valid European Union “pet passport” for further travel. Further information:
www.colvema.org/PDF/Pasaporte_veterinario.pdf
• Civil liability insurance must be contracted for dangerous dogs. Further information: www.colvema.org/responsabilidad-civil.asp
Helpful tips:
- Pets must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. - They must travel in suitable cages.
- Not all lodgings admit animals.
- The majority of restaurants and other public establishments do not admit pets. Enquiries should be made beforehand to avoid surprises. - The maximum number of animals that can be brought into the country without being considered a commercial operation varies according to the species.
- Lost pets can be reported to the veterinary clinic that fitted the identity chip or to the Animal Vaccination and Identification Database at 91 564 54 59.
VACCINES
As rabies still exists in Spain, the majority of veterinarians recommend vaccinating dogs before they enter the country. Dogs should also be inoculated against leptospirosis, parvovirus, hepatitis and distemper. Cats should be vaccinated against feline gastroenteritis and typhoid. VETERINARY CLINICS
Spanish veterinarians are qualified professionals. Emergencies are dealt with at veterinary clinics, many of which offer a 24-hour service. KENNELS (Canine Residences)
Many kennels are available in Madrid. Owners wanting to board pets over summer holidays should be sure to book well in advance. Animals left at kennels must be vaccinated.