Lisbon Police Arrests Skyrocket by 46% - Commander Demands Urgent Upgrades and Better Conditions

Lisbon Police Arrests Surge by 46% in Ten Months

The Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the PSP, responsible for policing 2.5 million people, made 9,287 arrests in the first ten months of this year. This represents a staggering 46.6% increase (2,953 more arrests) compared to the same period in 2024. Superintendent Luís Elias, commander of COMETLIS, highlighted that this equates to an average of 31 arrests per day during a speech marking the 158th anniversary in Sintra.

Crime Trends and Police Priorities

Between January and October, general crime rose by 6.1% (3,149 more incidents), while violent and serious crime decreased by 1.9% (74 fewer crimes) compared to the same period last year. The command also achieved 650 preventive detention measures.

Luís Elias noted a substantial 64.5% increase (2,829 more offenses) in crimes closely linked to police proactivity, such as traffic offenses, drug trafficking, and disobedience. He emphasized that these statistics reflect the daily professionalism and dedication of police officers.

Reorganization and Focus Areas

The commander outlined priorities for COMETLIS, including preventing and combating violent crime, property crimes (such as robberies and thefts in public spaces, residences, and establishments), drug trafficking, and domestic violence. He announced a reorganization of the criminal investigation structure to improve investigation quality and interaction with the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Warning on Common Crime

Luís Elias warned against viewing common or mass crime as mere trivial offenses, citing examples like pickpocketing and thefts in homes and commercial buildings. He stated, "This crime is also organized, sometimes taking on transnational dimensions, highly disturbing people's freedom and sense of security, and causing significant property damage."

He further explained that traditional crime concepts are increasingly challenged by the relationship between organized crime, violent and serious crime, and so-called common crime. Criminal groups are interconnected, provide services to each other, and use new technologies to plan, commit, and launder profits from illicit activities. He stressed the need for cooperation, coordination, and information sharing among all security forces without stereotypes or prejudices.

Urgent Demands for Infrastructure and Equipment

Addressing the Minister of Internal Administration in the audience, the commander expressed concern over the poor condition of many facilities and equipment at COMETLIS. He cited urgent cases like the headquarters of the 5th Division, the 22nd Police Station (Largo do Rato), and the Queluz Police Station, stating that entering a degraded PSP installation symbolically damages the image and authority of the State.

He emphasized the crucial need to equip frontline police officers with personal protective equipment, electric weapons (Tasers), body cameras, drones, and vehicles. Additionally, he requested the creation of more housing for early-career police officers assigned to COMETLIS, citing high rental costs and the cost of living in the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Human Resources and Public Service

Regarding human resource rationalization, Luís Elias mentioned working with the PSP National Directorate on a proposal to restructure COMETLIS's deployment and new public service modalities in police stations.