A sudden change in leadership within Spain’s National Police may impact internal processes and the atmosphere in the country’s law enforcement agencies. The appointment comes amid a high-profile scandal that has already sparked widespread public reaction. Issues of transparency and accountability in the police have once again come to the forefront.
An unexpected turn
Gema Barroso has been appointed the new Deputy Director of Operations at the National Police. The decision follows the resignation of José Ángel González amid an investigation into alleged sexual assault. According to AlEspanol, Barroso previously headed the personnel and training division and was the direct supervisor of the employee who filed the complaint against González.
The leadership change followed a Board of Management meeting at the Canillas police complex in Madrid. National Police Director Francisco Pardo approved Barroso’s candidacy, surprising many officers. Prior to this appointment, she held the position since October 2024 and before that worked in the operational information department.
Barroso’s role in the case
Special attention was drawn to the fact that Barroso processed the psychological leave for the officer who became the alleged victim. This move was perceived as support for the victim and a signal of readiness for change in handling such cases. In recent months, the number of women in police leadership has increased, which is also noted as a significant trend.
According to AlEspanol, following Gonzalez’s departure, there are now five women serving on the Governing Council. This may mark the beginning of a more transparent policy regarding complaints and internal oversight. At the same time, Barroso’s appointment has raised questions about how staff relations and investigations will be managed going forward.
Consequences for the system
The scandal involving the former deputy director has once again brought up the issues of safety and trust within the police force. Society is debating how effective employee protection mechanisms are and how swiftly these incidents are addressed. The new leadership will need not only to restore trust, but also to propose concrete measures to prevent such cases in the future.
In recent years, Spain has already seen several high-ranking officials resign following accusations of inappropriate conduct. Each incident has prompted a review of internal procedures and strengthened oversight. Now, all eyes are on how Barroso will handle her new responsibilities and whether she will change the approach to internal investigations.
Context and similar cases
In the past two years, Spain has seen several high-profile personnel changes in law enforcement agencies following scandals related to breaches of ethics or official duties. For example, in 2025, leadership was replaced in one of the regional police departments after accusations of discrimination. In 2024, Madrid saw a case discussed where a department head resigned due to complaints about putting pressure on subordinates. These events show that both society and authorities are paying closer attention to issues of internal culture and staff safety.
