The new DAO warns that suspecting the entire police force is "extremely dangerous"

PalmThe new Deputy Director of Operations (DAO) of the National Police, Chief Commissioner José Luis Santafé – until now the Chief Superintendent of Police in the Balearic Islands – made it clear during his swearing-in ceremony that the force investigates "to the fullest extent" any abuse, misconduct, or irregularity that may occur within its ranks. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting victims of sexual assault or harassment, but warned that "generalizing" and suspecting the entire institution and its leadership is "extremely dangerous." In the presence of the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; the Deputy Secretary of State, Aina Calvo; the Director General of the Police, Francisco Pardo; the entire police leadership; and the Director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Esperanza Casteleiro, as well as representatives of the armed forces and police unions, the Chief Commissioner emphasized that the Police is an "extraordinary, loyal, modern institution at the service of Spain."

Santafé, 60, known to many colleagues as 'Santa', assumes the post 23 days after his predecessor, José Ángel González, who had led more than 74,000 officers for the past eight years, resigned unexpectedly hours after a complaint filed by a female sub-officer became public. The new Deputy Director of Operations (DAO) has guaranteed that any complaint of harassment or abuse will be investigated "thoroughly, without any hindrance" and that action will be taken to protect the victims. However, he also warned that it is "dangerous" and unfair to generalize and assume that those in positions of responsibility are responsible. During his address, he compared the force to a precision watch in which its officers, "generally performing excellently," are like pieces that fit together and function well. "If any part fails or stops working, it is replaced or repaired, and this is always done, regardless of who it affects, even if these parts are officers," he said.

The new top operational chief, who emotionally mentioned his wife Rocío and his daughter and son, both National Police officers, indicated that harassment procedures are being reviewed "always with an eye toward supporting and protecting victims" and maintained that, despite some concerns from the Deputy Director of Operations (DAO), he believes "it's always a good time to help the police and step up."

Marlaska appeals to recovering the diminished public trust

Earlier, Marlaska reiterated his "deep disappointment" and "pain" upon learning of, as he put it, the "recent incidents that are on everyone's minds" and that damaged the force's image in the eyes of society by calling into question its commitment to real and effective equality between men and women. "Betraying the trust that the public has placed in the National Police is intolerable and calls upon us to immediately recover the diminished public trust," the minister continued before asserting that the fight for equality and the rejection of sexism and gender-based violence is one of the defining characteristics of the force. Regarding the new Deputy Director of Operations, Marlaska said that a "new cycle" is beginning, and that his appointment is not a reward but a "very high and significant" responsibility that will require him to redouble his efforts and dedicate himself fully to ensuring that the Police remain one of the best police forces in the world. The Police respond with unity

For the first time since the resignation of the former Deputy Director of Operations, the Director of the National Police, Francisco Pardo, has spoken publicly, defending the swift replacement of the police chief after learning of the lawsuit and the protection afforded to the victim.

After assuring that Now it's up to the court to do its job – José Ángel González is summoned for the 17th and is also filing a complaint –Pardo expressed his conviction that this "very serious" incident, "with a strong emotional impact" on the institution, will be overcome because the police force is "above and beyond individuals." "When someone dials 091, they don't think of names but of protection and help; they think someone will come, and we cannot afford to betray that trust," continued the director, who asked the new Deputy Director of Operations, Pepe, for professionalism, courage in decision-making, and fairness in leadership. The rest of the officers were urged to be impeccable in their work and relentless in dealing with conduct that deviates from the principles and values ​​of democracy.