Pere Taberner: "The goal is to have Manacor under surveillance within two years to increase its security."

ManacorPere Taberner (Petra, 1972) has been a local police officer for 33 years. His first posting was in Capdepera, where he served until 2000. After a brief two-year stint with the Manacor Local Police, he became a sub-inspector in Santa Margalida until the pandemic, when he returned to the Manacor municipal force. A few weeks ago, he became the new chief inspector.

New Chief of the Manacor Local Police. Did you expect it?

— Life is about circumstances. We're not in this position because we want to be in charge. Until now, I had been responsible for traffic, and in fact, I really enjoyed the job. But the previous head [Manel Prieto] resigned, and the City Council opened a process. Internally, they asked if any of the executive-level managers wanted to take over. I felt brave and enthusiastic, and I said yes. I believe I owe it to the municipality and to my colleagues, who agreed; that's what fills me with the most pride.

Is it a vocational profession?

— Let's just say the calling came to me. I was doing my military service when I filled out the application. A friend wanted to apply and gave me a shout-out. Then the work gradually drew me in.

Police work in Manacor today is very different from what it was 25 or 30 years ago. Has the town become more socially complex?

— The problem is population growth and the mixing of cultures. I don't want to criticize any particular group, but there are different ways of approaching life, and we need to know how to manage them. In any case, we've made a lot of progress in this area; I remember when I joined the Capdepera police force, some residents would see a person of color and immediately call the police. What is also true is that we have problems with general antisocial behavior.

How to try to correct it?

— By strengthening our local presence, increasing surveillance in strategic locations and squares, and focusing on the days leading up to events… For now, the first four security cameras will be installed before the end of the year: in Ramon Llull Square in Manacor, in the Plaza de las Verduras, on the Paseo de la Sirena in Portocristo, and in the area where thefts have occurred in the parking lot. We will install more cameras by 2026, as many as we can. The goal is to have the entire town center monitored within two years to improve public safety.

Traffic problems are not an isolated issue in the city either.

— There are ring roads where traffic is already becoming difficult. On Paseo del Ferrocarril, an average of 13,780 vehicles pass through daily in one direction; that is, the actual number should be doubled. Meanwhile, around 9,700 vehicles pass through the Felanitx ring road daily, also in one direction. I don't think this is the City Council's fault. The streets are the same, but the number of cars per family has increased exponentially. Over the last few years, we have done everything possible to increase parking spaces. On Vía de Portugal, we have doubled them to 170. On some side streets, we have started painting them in a herringbone pattern, because that way more spaces fit.

How many accidents are recorded daily in the urban area?

— In Manacor, there are an average of five accidents a day. In 2024, there were approximately 1,200, and this year we've already had nearly 900. We're losing sight of many important values, including those related to driving. That's why, among other things, it's necessary to reinstate a fleet of vehicles for road safety education, like the one we had a few years ago.

Where are the main problem areas?

— The problems are there and are particularly noticeable in areas with bus stops, at the train station, and at the Polit mill, where pedestrian-activated traffic lights will eventually have to be installed. Another problem area we will address soon is the final stretch of the avenues, where left turns towards Serralt and the Port ring road will no longer be permitted; instead, drivers will be required to turn right. Alternatively, drivers can also turn right onto Joan Miró street towards the roundabout. Access to the Manacor Secondary School will also be closed on the Felanitx ring road.

What is the current number of agents? Is it enough?

— Currently, the force consists of 98 officers, including 11 temporary staff. That's a small number. But under current legislation, we can only fill vacancies caused by retirements. Therefore, by creating new departments, we can gradually staff them with more personnel, eventually reaching 150 officers, a figure more appropriate for the workload of a municipality like Manacor.

What percentage is female?

— A dozen of the police officers on staff are women.

The police station is still where it was almost 40 years later…

— It's an issue that's been weighing heavily on me. We've been here since the firefighters left the station back in the '80s. The police force is growing, and we need a new station. It's true that there was a recent renovation that cost €600,000, which needs to be accounted for. But it was already small, and it still is. One of my battles will be to get a new police station.

How many police vehicles does it have?

— 30 vehicles between cars and motorcycles, and we expect three more.

What is the relationship like with the other security forces operating in Manacor?

— There's no problem at all, quite the opposite. Everyone knows their place and should know it. We have regular meetings with both the National Police and the Civil Guard.

Do the fines issued by ZPR cameras actually reach the offenders?

— The cameras in the Resident Priority Zone (ZPR) are working perfectly, and the fines are being issued and paid. It's clear that people are increasingly complying.