On January 13, 1824, on the initiative of King Ferdinand VII, the Royal Decree was promulgated creating the so-called General Police of the Kingdom, historical antecedent of the police institution we all know today as the National Police. From that moment on, a single police force with a national dimension was created in Spain, laying the foundations of a modern police force with the function of "guaranteeing the good and public safety". To this end, the Police was endowed with "unity, extension and strength", recognizing it as a "benefit for civilization" and the "first guarantee of public good and happiness".
We are, therefore, at the origins of the Police of all Spaniards and before a date of great relevance in the evolution of our country, becoming a nationwide institution responsible for ensuring security and being the guarantor of welfare and coexistence, key to the development of our nation.
Throughout these two centuries of existence, and despite having had different names, the National Police has uninterruptedly served all citizens and Spain, always with the same spirit of public service. In 1844 it was known as the Protection and Security Corps, then the Surveillance Corps and later the Security and Surveillance Corps. In 1942 it was renamed Cuerpo General de Policía, and in 1978, Cuerpo Superior de Policía, of a civilian nature, which coexisted with the Cuerpo de Policía Armada, which later changed its name to Cuerpo de Policía Nacional, with a military structure and organization.
Organic Law 2/1986, of March 13, 1986, on Security Forces and Corps, integrated both bodies into one, the National Police Corps, whose name, since Organic Law 9/2015, of July 18, 2015, on the Personnel Regime of the National Police, has become the latter, making it the one most commonly used by citizens, a designation that at the same time is transferred to its members as national police officers.
It is, therefore, a police force that has been able to evolve and adapt to the challenges of each era, forging in this long journey principles and values that arise from effort, sacrifice and heroism. For this reason, and as a result of the strict professionalism, police vocation and service of the thousands of police officers who have been and are part of this institution throughout its history, the National Police is today one of the institutions most loved and valued by society.
On its bicentenary, January 13, 2024, the main episodes in the history of this police institution will be commemorated, as well as its image in the eyes of citizens, the feeling of belonging among its members and its recognition as a reference operator in public security, both nationally and internationally. Likewise, homage will be paid to all the national police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Correos joins this event by issuing a block sheet in which the logo created for the bicentenary of the National Police appears next to two national policemen.
