Andorra Police Warns of 90 Officer Retirements Amid Cybercrime Rise

Police Director Bruno Lasne warned during Andorra's Police Day celebrations that up to 90 officers could retire over the next five years, representing nearly a third of the current force. Speaking at the institutional event marking the 95th anniversary of the force's creation, Lasne linked the potential departures to officers from large recruitment waves decades ago now reaching retirement age. He noted that legislation allows extensions to age 65 with mutual agreement, so not all may leave.

The force currently has 285 officers, including 20 in their first year of training after an expanded intake to ensure generational replacement. Lasne reiterated the goal of reaching 300 officers but ruled out new recruitments this year, planning a call instead for late summer 2025 once retirement impacts and service needs are assessed. He announced a competition for eight sergeant positions to bolster mid-level command and dismissed new commissioner roles for now.

Lasne praised the force's professionalism and border controls for maintaining high safety levels despite population and tourism growth, with fewer interventions and arrests recorded. Head of Government Xavier Espot called the police a key reason Andorra ranks among the world's safest countries, highlighting agents' dedication. Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné affirmed the government's commitment to reviewing staffing, equipment, and training needs.

Molné announced forthcoming approval of a new regulation on coercive means and police weapons, detailing conditions and protocols for firearms and other tools to enhance legal and operational security amid evolving challenges. She also confirmed advanced work on access and promotion rules, granting union representatives voting rights in selection processes.

Lasne highlighted rising cybercrime, increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, enabling more credible and massive frauds. He called for more staff, continuous training, and digital analysis capabilities, emphasising prevention and education, particularly to shield youth from violent or pornographic online content. Recent cases involved teen assaults shared on social media, addressed through school and family coordination. Other priorities include drug and prostitution trafficking, robbery waves, Sicilian mafia links, and international fugitives.

Molné stressed the need for more precise, legally focused training, especially after a recent trial exposing protocol gaps in handling minor offences. While new recruits receive strong preparation, she said practical examples must improve to match complex street scenarios where quick decisions are required. Investments include upgraded fingerprint identification, facial recognition, and cryptocurrency tracking tools. Lasne urged ongoing modernisation without losing community proximity.