The Catalan government has started a pilot program this week to introduce plainclothes Mossos d'Esquadra officers into 14 schools, including primary schools, to improve coexistence. Education councillor Esther Niubó stated there are no major security issues in Catalan schools and the measure is preventive. The plan draws applause from some teachers but criticism from unions and families.
Catalan Education councillor Esther Niubó presented details on Tuesday of the pilot program deploying six Mossos d'Esquadra officers, dubbed 'convivencia agents', into 14 schools. These include primary schools, institutes, combined schools, and vocational centers in areas like L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, el Prat, Sabadell, Vic, Tàrrega, Urgell, and Vall d’Aran. Niubó stated: “No hay un problema de seguridad ni convivencia en los centros educativos catalanes”, while acknowledging a “complex reality” with conflicts.
The volunteer officers, trained in mediation and unarmed, will not enter classrooms or replace social educators or integrators. They will be present in schools for prevention, coordinated with school directors, and participation is voluntary for each center. The plan, driven since October 2025 at the request of territorial services, will be evaluated at the end of the term and year for adjustments or expansions.
Unions like USTEC-STEs and families protested on Monday in L’Hospitalet and Tuesday in Vic, decrying lack of consultation. Three Vic schools rejected participation through teacher assemblies, though no school director has formally withdrawn. ERC and Comuns politicians called the measure “unfortunate and populist”. Department of Education sources note some schools are now requesting to join.
