Ever since its definitive creation in 1907, the GUB has been one of Barcelona’s most important institutions for the Catalan capital’s urban operations. Although its initial activities were strictly confined to wheeled traffic and mobility, its duties were extended over time to ensure all the other areas of positive community life in Catalonia. In fact, the force has been increasingly consolidating its local-patrolling and networking roles with other municipal areas and police forces.

Its history over the last century was at the same time, and inevitably, a reflection of the history of the entire city. The 20th century saw the permanent incorporation of new technologies and at the same time, the advancement of a new concept of prevention and security never seen before in its history. through the launch of initiatives such as the Joint GUB, Fire Brigade and Catalan Regional Police Command Room.

You can find further information on the history of the force here.

1843

The Guàrdia Urbana [city police force] is created

1907

The Guàrdia Urbana de Barcelona (GUB) [Barcelona city police force] is created

1929

GUB section at the Barcelona International Exposition

1941

Neighbourhood GUP is established

1953

Escola de la Guàrdia Urbana [GUB School] is created

1968

Centralised Traffic-Control Room is created

1979

First recruitment campaign opens to include women

1992

The GUP collaborates in managing the Olympic Games’ security

1995

Pilot community police programme is launched in Sant Martí

1996

GUP services are computerised (Project Mycelium)

2003

Fleet of vehicles with GPS technology is launched

2005

The Joint Command Room (CME-GUB, Fire Brigade and Emergency Medical Services) is created

2006

PDAs are incorporated. Rescue Telecommunications Network

2007

Local Patrolling Plan is implemented

2008

GUP manages the electricity-power failure that hit Barcelona

2009

Mycelium2 Salt app

2010

GUP manages the snow and the Pope’s visit to the city

2011

The Beach Patrol is created

2012

PCs are incorporated into vehicles (KEPLER)

2014

Electric scooters

2016

Guàrdia Urbana Master Plan

2017

Neighbourhood Police unit is created

2018

Local uniformed police units are unified