The City of Seville has expanded its serenos (civic agents) program into the El Cerezo neighborhood, adding over 5,000 residents to the city’s nocturnal proximity service. According to Mayor José Luis Sanz, the service now operates with 70 agents and three coordinators across 34 zones, providing a non-police preventive presence from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every night.
Operational Scope and Impact in El Cerezo
The latest expansion covers the area from Avenida de Sánchez Pizjuán to Avenida de San Lázaro. These agents do not replace the Local Police; instead, they serve as a community link. Their duties include mediating conflicts, reporting urban furniture damage, informing visitors, and acting as the first point of contact for emergency services when necessary.
Mayor Sanz cited first-semester data to justify the growth of the program. The city reported 3,704 accompaniments, 808 emergency service alerts, 77 processed lost items, and more than 900 visits to local businesses. The Mayor stated that this neighborhood-by-neighborhood expansion is a response to strong resident support.
Training and Social Integration Strategy
To ensure professional conduct, agents undergo specific training. This includes operational protocols from the CECOP and Civil Protection, as well as specialized modules on preventing gender-based violence and combating LGTBIfobia, developed in coordination with the Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer.
The program also functions as a labor insertion tool. More than 40 hires were made from unemployed individuals enrolled in the Local Plan for Social and Labor Cohesion and Inclusion. This initiative is part of the ERACIS+ strategy, which receives co-financing from the Junta de Andalucía and the European Social Fund Plus.
Evolution of the Serenos Program (2023–2026)
The service has scaled from a pilot to a network.
| Phase | Date | Staffing/Coverage | Investment/Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Project | December 2023 | 18 agents, 2 coordinators | 12 neighborhoods (Historic Center) |
| First Expansion | October 2025 | 50 agents | 29 zones; €2.6 million investment |
| Second Expansion | May 2026 | N/A | Las Almenas, Pino Montano, Consolación, San Diego |
| Current Phase | Present | 70 agents, 3 coordinators | 34 zones, including El Cerezo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the serenos have police powers?
No. According to the City Council, they are civic agents who complement the Local Police through a community-based, preventive approach.
What are the hours of operation?
The service is active every night of the year between 23:00 and 07:00 hours.
How is the program funded?
A significant portion of the hiring process is co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the Junta de Andalucía via the ERACIS+ strategy.
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