Speaking in Braga, during the ceremony celebrating the 148th anniversary of the local PSP command, Luís Carrilho highlighted the positives of security in the country.

“Portugal is, fortunately, one of the safest countries in the world and Braga is one of the safest urban areas in the country. This is not institutional rhetoric, this is a reality that must be spoken about, celebrated and protected”, he said.

In his speech, Luís Carrilho warned of the importance of recruiting new professionals, stressing that it is necessary to invest in the ability to “attract the best”, notably women, in the name of a “more modern, more humane and better prepared” police force.

The deputy commander of the PSP in Braga, Sérgio Soares, warned of a 40% increase in the area under the jurisdiction of the command, a decrease in the ratio of police officers per thousand inhabitants and an increase in the age of professionals.

“24 years ago, there were 2.7 police officers per thousand inhabitants, today there are 2.3 and the average age is 49 years old”, he said.

He stressed that, despite this, crime in the district has fallen.

In 2024, general crime in the area under the jurisdiction of the PSP Braga Command decreased by 8.7% compared to 2023, which is equivalent to 578 fewer reports, according to that police force.

With regard to violent or serious crime, the PSP recorded a decrease of 2.4% (six fewer reports).

Sérgio Soares also mentioned the investment in improving facilities, with ongoing works at the Vila Nova de Famalicão police station and prospects for intervention in Barcelos and Guimarães.

As for the Braga command facilities, the requalification is “under preliminary study”.