Police in the Algarve

Need help while in the Algarve? Whether you have lost something, need to report a theft, or are just looking for the nearest police station, it is useful to know how the police works in Portugal. Portugal is served by two police forces: the GNR and the PSP, each covering different areas and responsibilities. This guide explains the difference between them, how to contact the police, and where to find local police stations in the Algarve.

Emergency number in Portugal: 112
Call this number in any emergency. Operators usually speak English.

The differences between GNR and PSP

Portugal has two main police forces that serve different areas and responsibilities: the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) and the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). Understanding the distinction can help you know who to contact depending on where you are and what kind of assistance you need.

GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana)

• Military police force, active mostly in rural areas and small towns
• Handles road safety, public order, and emergency calls in non-urban zones
• Stations are open 24/7 and can assist with theft reports and general inquiries

The GNR is a military police force mainly responsible for rural areas, small towns, and highways. Officers are part of Portugal’s national gendarmerie and have authority over most of the country outside major cities. In the Algarve, you will find GNR stations in all major towns. They handle general policing tasks, respond to emergencies, and help with incidents like theft or traffic issues. Their stations are open 24/7.

PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública)

• Civil police force covering cities, large towns, and airports
• Handles urban crime, crowd control, firearms licensing, and event security
• Also responds to emergency calls and patrols urban areas

The PSP is Portugal’s civil police force and operates in urban areas, including cities and airports. Their responsibilities include urban crime prevention, crowd control, traffic enforcement, and firearm licensing. If you are staying in a city, the PSP will likely be your point of contact for police matters.

Lost and found items

Items that are found by the police or were handed in by civilians are being archived in an online system. Below you can find the website where you can check for lost and found items.

Check lost & found items

Addresses and phone numbers of the police

Below you can find the contact details of all the GNR stations, categorized by region.