Mossos

The Mossos d'Esquadra, commonly known as the Mossos, are the autonomous police force of Catalonia, the autonomous community of Spain. They operate under the Department of the Interior of the Generalitat de Catalunya and serve as the principal law enforcement body in Catalonia, handling public safety, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigation within the region. National police forces retain jurisdiction for certain matters under national law, and coordination with them occurs for cross-border or national issues.

The force is headed by a Commissioner appointed by the Catalan government. It is organized into regional commands that cover Catalonia’s territory and into specialized units for criminal investigation, traffic management, public order, and event security. It also maintains a dedicated intervention and tactical capability and various support services such as forensics and personnel management.

History and responsibilities: The Mossos were established in 1980, after the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, as Policia de la Generalitat–Mossos d'Esquadra, with policing responsibilities previously managed by other authorities. Over the following decades, the force expanded its mandate and identity, becoming the Mossos d'Esquadra and assuming broader powers in Catalonia. In recent years it has undergone modernization in training, equipment, and interagency cooperation, aligning with national and international policing standards.

Role and operations: The Mossos undertake general policing duties including crime prevention, investigation, traffic safety, and emergency response. They work to maintain public order, protect people and property, and cooperate with national and European police networks on security and information-sharing.