The Guardia Civil is the oldest law enforcement agency in Spain. It is organised as a military force charged with police duties under the authority of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence.
As part of its daily duties, the Guardia Civil patrols rural areas (including highways and ports) and investigates crimes there, whilst the Policía Nacional deals with safety at urban situations. Many towns and cities also have a Policía Local. The three forces are nationally coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior.
The Guardia Civil is usually stationed at casas cuartel, which are both minor residential garrisons and fully equipped police stations.
Patron: Our Lady of the Pillar
Motto: El honor es mi divisa (Honour is my badge)
Emergency telephone numbers
All emergencies (multilingual): 112
Ambulance: 061
Guardia Civil: 062
National Police: 091
Fire Brigade: 080