Fairground brawl as most police officers call in sick
JUST a few days after Spain’s general strike, Torrox Local Police officers appeared to call an unofficial one of their own.
When almost the entire police force of 34 officers reported ‘sick’ over the weekend – coinciding with the Torrox Fair – the town hall had to hire a private security staff normally employed to provide security at the fair ground.
On Saturday, a big fight at the Fair resulted in two people being hospitalised.
“There were no more incidents than usually happens at these Festivals in previous years with more patrols,” responded Councillor Palomas.
There was reportedly one Local Police patrol on hand on Saturday night and two on Sunday to police the local population of almost 17,000 people as well as the many visitors to the fair from surrounding towns.
Town Hall officials are said to be ‘baffled’ as to the reason for this en-mass action since they say police officers were paid outstanding wages for overtime.
The Chief of Police has been asked to provide a report on the situation and to ensure that a situation like this should never occur again.
In 2008 a similar situation occurred as part of an ongoing dispute between the Local Police and the Town Hall.
In response to these actions, Francisco Muñoz, the socialist party (PSOE) secretary general in Torrox, demanded the resignation of the town’s Mayor Antonia Claros (IU) and the Citizen Security Councillor Manuel Palomas.
The PSOE hold the Town Hall accountable for the situation which they believe puts the security of residents at risk.
Palomas said they are reviewing ‘sick’ days taken by officers since January and those “that weren’t sufficiently justified” will have the corresponding portion deducted from their salaries, extra pay and social security,” adding that “we will take appropriate action, but this isn’t something that can be resolved in a day or two.”