THE NATIONAL POLICE IS ON THE WAY OF ST. JAMES
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We protect the Way
The ancient Way of St. James is one of the most relevant Spanish assets from the historical, artistic and cultural point of view. But beyond the national perspective, it was also named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1993.
Being part of the UNESCO World Heritage involves, among others, a huge value to preserve and protect, and it is at this point that the participation of the National Police takes place. As a result of the collaboration agreement signed with the Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago (Spanish Federation of Friends of the Way of St. James Associations) the National Police has launched a special operation called “Protegemos el camino: año jubilar 2021-2022” (We protect the way: Holy Year 2021-2022).
The aim of the National Police is, of course, to ensure safety in all the routes of the Way of St. James for more than 400,000 pilgrims expected in this Holy Year, as well as for all the citizens and visitors in the cities all along such routes..
In addition, several police officers have been appointed as contact points at every police station found all along the routes. They will be in charge of promoting the dissemination and protection of the Way, as well as collaborating with involved institutions and bodies, organizing enhancement activities and disseminating information and providing counseling for a safe travel in the different routes.
Police stations and other law enforcement premises have become official hubs to stamp the pilgrim’s passport, necessary for pilgrims to have access to overnight accommodation in hostels and to obtain the Compostela once in Santiago.
The operation “Protegemos el camino” also has an international dimension. The National Police has requested all its counselors, security attachés and liaison officers deployed all around the world to act as police ambassadors of the Way of St. James not only to promote it beyond our borders but also to increase the levels of security through the collaboration with foreign counterparts. In this line, we will also count on the presence of police officers from other countries in Spain in order to patrol together with Spanish police officers and provide support to foreign pilgrims and tourists.
Furthermore, several posters and leaflets have been drawn up in order to provide information and counseling to pilgrims at police premises. This material includes a QR code for a fast access to the website developed by the National Police for a safe Holy Year.
And naturally, pilgrims may also find the National Police through social media, with the powerful profiles followed by more than 6 million individuals worldwide.
The National Police walks together with the pilgrim. Supporting tourism. On the Way.
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Pilgrim advice
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PLAN YOUR WAY
With time and avoiding improvisation or chance. Check the accommodation network, weather forecast, book, get authorizations, be aware of distances, difficulties, places to rest or of interest.
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DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID CARD OR PASSPORT
Carry any of them with you. Authorities may request your identification.
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WALK TOGETHER AND DURING THE DAY
The experience will unforgettable if you enjoy it with other people. Mainly between November and March, try not to walk alone. If the weather is not good or the night is near, take it as an opportunity to rest, enjoy a cultural visit or observing the surroundings.
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LET THEM KNOW WHERE YOU ARE
Keep your relatives and friends aware of where you are. Your cell phone always with you and with the battery charged in order to be found or to perform an emergency call for any incident that may happen to you or to another person. There are tracking and geolocation devices available or even the ALERTCOPS app guardian.
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DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR BELONGINGS
Chiefly in those places where there is no surveillance, with many passers-by or people in general. Any personal belonging, electronic device, documents, bank cards and other valuable object will attract the attention of crooks. Do not show them without any reason, either. Do not carry heavy luggage or a lot of money. Keep cash concealed in your luggage, clothes and places where it is not easy to access, such as inside pockets. As a safety caution, write down the PIN, PUK and IMEI codes of your cell phone.
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AVOID DANGERS
Take a look at both sides of the road before crossing.
Walk through safe places and in line if you walk together with a group of people.
Do not cross through places which are not specifically designated. If there is no chance, select a place where you can see far away and always cross keeping a perpendicular direction to the road axis.
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DO NOT RELY ON STRANGERS
Not everybody is good-natured. Beware of those who get very close to you with any excuse or of anybody who happens to bump into you. Do not trust those who recommend you shortcuts, places of interest or services out of the route.
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ALERTCOPS
It is a Law Enforcement free app for mobile devices. Among others, it enables you to communicate in real time and from your cell phone any emergency or alert. Send your location automatically to the Police. We will know where you are and will be able and willing to help you.
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Stamping points
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Foreign contact points
