The labour union for Guardia Civil members (UniónGC) has complained about abusive behaviour from some of the commanding officers. These incidents, they point out, are far from generalised but nevertheless are not acceptable.

Take the case in the Basque Lands where a guardsman tested positive for Covid-19 and the health authorities ordered his confinement under quarantine. However, his commanding officer ordered him to return to work, which he did – he had no other option.

This, if it is true, is tremendously irresponsible on the part of the commanding officer because not only did it put at risk this officer’s life in particular, but it also runs a high risk of infecting his colleagues, as well as that of civilians with whom he will come into contact carrying out his duties.

The UniónGC has also denounced that police officers are being watched to see if they are wearing privately obtained, protection masks out of desperation because there are no official masks being issued. If they are caught, they will face disciplinary action.

The Union is studying these cases to see if the said commanding officers should face criminal action.

We finish this article with the other side of the coin where guardsmen reveal that they are just a big bunch of softies when it comes to small children.

In a village somewhere in our province, a father, whose son is suffering from cancer, asked the Guardia Civil if they could do something to make his son’s day as it was his birthday and under the present circumstance couldn’t go out or have his friends around for a party. The Guardia Civil post said that they were very busy, but they would try.

The father and son stood on their balcony when the growing sound of sirens announced their approach. About four patrol cars turned up outside with their sirens and lights going, to be replaced by a “happy birthday” song being played over their tannoys as the officers got out of their cars. They finished with the national anthem and stood saluting the balcony where the gobsmacked lad watched.

A birthday to remember.

Editorial comment: Viva La Guardia Civil!

(News: Granada & Basque Lands)