Algaida creates the figure of the Reference Police Officer to look after the elderly

PalmaThe Algaida City Council has presented the strategic project 'Policia per a la Gent Gran d’Algaida 2026' (Police for the Elderly of Algaida 2026). It is an initiative by the Local Police that is born with the aim of guaranteeing a safer, more protected, and active environment for the elderly in the municipality, a group that has experienced notable growth in recent years. The great novelty of this plan is the creation of the figure of the reference police officer, an agent who will act as a direct link with the socio-health network and will offer personalized and empathetic attention to the elderly.

The demographic data of the study fully justify the need for this intervention. Currently, the elderly represent 18.9% of the total population of Algaida, and the growth of 51% in the segment of people over 80 years old stands out especially. This demographic change, added to the territorial dispersion and the risk of isolation suffered by many elderly people in the rural areas of the term, has made evident the urgency of acting directly on the ground.

Àrees d'actuació

To respond to this reality, the project has been structured around four main areas of action. Firstly, mobility and health will be addressed through the detection of architectural barriers and the design of healthy routes. In the area of security, preventive talks will be held focused on the prevention of scams, robberies and crimes linked to technologies, with the aim of reducing crime and increasing perceived security. Likewise, a voluntary registry will be created for people at risk of disorientation to expedite their protection, and coexistence will be promoted through intergenerational projects and community mediation.

The success of this new community policing model will be based on transversal and coordinated work. The Referent Police Officer will collaborate closely with the municipal Social Services, the Health Centre, the Day Centre, the Civil Guard and the Association of the Elderly of Algaida. This shared network of information and resources will allow for the early detection of any sign of vulnerability, abuse or neglect.

The City Council has defined this initiative as a preventive and structured decision that reinforces a close, inclusive and cohesive policing model. The mayor of Algaida, Margalida Fullana, has highlighted that this project "is born to be closer to the elderly, listen to them better and provide a faster response when there is a situation of need". The service is coordinated with the Mayor's Office, the Department for the Elderly, headed by Francesc Ramis, and the Department for Social Services, with Jerònia Miralles at the helm. The project will progress with case monitoring and an annual evaluation to continue improving.