Municipalities and security

Thirty years after the consecration of autonomy

Abstract

This paper develops the recent historical evolution and the regulatory framework that gives foundation to public security policies and the competencies of municipal governments in relation to them. It describes the problems presented by the current regulatory structure, as well as the management measures developed by local security areas in the absence of a specific regulation and in the absence of recognition of municipal autonomy. Finally, the central guidelines for an efficient approach to security from a local perspective are presented, highlighting the need to provide the system with a regulatory scaffolding adapted to the needs of the present and with a view to effectively and efficiently addressing criminal problems and citizen demands.