30/04/2026
Large scale events can become the scene of attacks, vandalism, and other crimes. Therefore, effective coordination, communication, and operational procedures by security forces are essential.
The Grand Prix is one of the largest sporting events in the world held in a public space. The city of Jerez hosts more than 200,000 people, of whom over 140,000 gather at the circuit and its surroundings within a short period of time. To address the associated security challenges, the Guardia Civil deploys 2,500 personnel with 22 operational capabilities. These include drones and counterdrone systems, helicopters, mounted units specialized in public order and crowd control, off road motorcycles, an explosive ordnance disposal unit, explosive detection dogs, traffic police, and counterterrorism units to combat terrorist threats.
In this context, a delegation of Senegalese security forces including CICO L.A.T., the Gendarmerie, and the Police conducted a visit within the framework of the European project Public Spaces + and observed firsthand the security deployment and coordination of the 2026 Motorcycle Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera Spain.
The Senegalese partners were briefed by central and regional authorities on the overall security deployment. They then visited the command and control center, where they observed firsthand how different agencies coordinate, communicate, and operate. The center brings together emergency services, traffic authorities, private security, aviation authorities, and other law enforcement units.
The visit included training sessions on methods to prevent, detect, and respond to terrorism, as well as to develop capabilities in areas such as tactical snipers, K9 intervention dogs, drones, counterdrone systems, and tactical medical response. It also provided the opportunity to observe the Guardia Civil Counterterrorism Unit UAR in real time during the event.
Interaction, dialogue, and direct observation of these units in action provided valuable insight into how these capabilities are applied and integrated in large scale scenarios, both in terms of prevention and response.
