City Security and Civics
La Rambla is the most universal and also the most crowded promenade in Barcelona. Every year it receives 78,100,000 visitors or what is the same, 214,000 people per day. This high concentration of people draws a lot of attention from individuals involved in illegal activities and unfortunately, it also fuels uncivil behavior from a few.
To prevent the presence and actions of both groups on La Rambla, the Association works to ensure that all aspects related to coexistence and civility are guaranteed on La Rambla. Periodic meetings are held with the Public Security authorities and solutions to the concerns of the members in terms of security are jointly discussed. Five years ago, under the presidency of Ignasi Torralba, La Rambla led the request from the entities and associations of merchants in Ciutat Vella and the commercial districts of Barcelona, in favor of amending the criminal law so that the accumulation of offenses would be considered a crime or, in the case of foreigners, expulsion from the country.
Amics de La Rambla coordinates personalized visits to the establishments by the "Community Police" group of the Urban Guard and the "Proximity Group" of Mossos d'Esquadra.
Security attention, however, does not focus exclusively on criminal acts, but the Association works to ensure that all aspects related to coexistence and civility become a reality on La Rambla. Therefore, meetings with law enforcement for special operations such as New Year's Eve or sports celebrations are common. A modification of the law regarding street gambling has also been requested and since its implementation, La Rambla has been part of the Institutional Commission for the analysis and treatment of the vandalism phenomenon.
Amics de La Rambla is a regular participant in the Plenary Council for Security and Prevention of the Barcelona City Council and the latest Municipal Action Plan, PAD 2008-2011, includes several proposals from our Association to improve security on La Rambla, ensure the strict application of the ordinance against incivility, and a more forceful, serious, and permanent intervention to prevent street vending, drug trafficking, as well as begging and prostitution on the streets.
