Spain’s smallest town needs more protection: it has hired a local police officer for 132 residents.

28/10/2026 10:30

Updated to

28/10/2026 10:30

The smallest municipality in Spain by area has recently established a local police service for the first time in its history. It is Llocnou de la Corona, a Valencia town covering just 12,800 square meters with 132 residents, where a single police assistant has been patrolling there for the past few days. This initiative has a unique feature: the officer works on variable shifts that are not made public to prevent potential offenders from knowing when he is monitoring the area. His hiring responds to a long-standing request from the local residents and, especially, to concerns raised by a recent robbery.

A single police officer to monitor Spain’s smallest municipality

Llocnou de la Corona is located about seven kilometers from Valencia, between the municipalities of Alfafar and Sedaví. Its tiny municipal area, just over one hectare, makes it the smallest in Spain by surface area.

The town lacks a school, a health center, and even a bar. Its only commercial establishment is a pharmacy. Until now, its residents relied on the Guardia Civil to handle security-related issues. However, the municipal government has decided to hire a local police assistant to provide on-site support.

The mayor, Nicolás Pérez González, explained that the main goal is not to raise funds through fines but to improve residents’ sense of security.

The decision was accelerated after a burglary occurred in a residence, an unusual event in a community where almost all neighbors know each other.

The police officer changes shifts so no one knows when he patrols

The assistant, who does not carry a weapon and has experience in other municipalities, is responsible for monitoring the streets, controlling traffic, and addressing community issues. They can also provide assistance in emergencies due to their first aid training.

The municipality aims to reduce especially the violations committed by drivers who cross through the town without respecting traffic signals.

A town with a budget of 150,000 euros and a two-month trial period

Sustaining this service represents a significant financial strain for Llocnou de la Corona, whose annual municipal budget is around 150,000 euros.

Therefore, the hiring was initially planned as a two-month pilot project. Its continuation will depend on the results, neighborhood acceptance, and the municipality’s ability to secure additional funding.

The town is well aware of the difficulties associated with lacking its own services. During the flood on October 29, 2024, when water reached over a meter in height in some areas, the Valencia Local Police had to temporarily take over surveillance duties under a cooperation agreement.

The municipality now has another much more modest project: installing vending machines for food and drinks in a community center to create a gathering spot for residents.

In a municipality with no room for further growth, the addition of just one police assistant represents a significant improvement to its public services. The question is whether its limited resources will allow it to keep this assistant once the trial period ends.