Date: 2nd December 2025

No: 148/2025

The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) will be restoring its dedicated Community Policing Team capability as from Monday 5th January 2026. The team will initially consist of one Sergeant and four Police Constables, increasing to eight Constables in March 2026 once probationary officers currently in training complete their respective operational portfolios and join their Response Teams.

This step is firmly aligned with the RGP’s commitment to community safety, crime prevention, and strengthening public trust and confidence.

Structure and Deployment

• Officers will be geographically based, with named officers assigned to specific constituency areas. With named officers dedicated to each area, there will be a single, trusted point of contact and a policing service that is more responsive, efficient, and tailored to local needs.

• This approach aims to ensure that each Gibraltar district has a visible, accessible, and accountable policing presence.

• The team will work closely with partner agencies and stakeholders, focusing on prevention, problem solving, crime fighting, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

The Community Policing Team will:

• Engage directly with residents, businesses, and community groups.

• Identify and address local concerns through problem-solving policing.

• Tackle crime and anti-social behaviour at the community level.

• Collaborate with other agencies to deliver joined-up solutions that improve quality of life.

Evidence-Based Approach

Commissioner Richards’ decision to restore this policing capability is supported by Gibraltar Police Authority’s Annual Policing Plan (APP) priorities, which highlight safeguarding the vulnerable, reducing harm from drugs, tackling acquisitive crime, and enhancing service delivery. By embedding officers within geographical districts, the RGP aims to ensure that policing is responsive, visible, and trusted.

Comprehensive research has guided the development of the ‘new’ Team, ensuring its design follows proven, evidence-based best practice while being tailored to meet the specific needs of our community.

Next Steps

Once the team commences its operations, the RGP will introduce the officers who have been assigned to each constituency area, ensuring that every district knows their local police.

Commissioner of Police Owain Richards said "Restoring our Community Policing Team capability represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver a safer Gibraltar. By embedding officers within defined areas of our community, we will strengthen trust, improve engagement, and ensure that policing is responsive to local needs. Together with our partners, we will continue to safeguard Gibraltar for all who live, work, and visit here.’