“The strategy defined by the PSP allowed to contain the number of cases of infected professionals and in prophylactic isolation, thus ensuring the sustainability of the operational response. Like our fellow citizens, we suffer the effects of infection among our ranks. We suffer because we are in the cities where the large population centres are concentrated. We had a total of 194 infected, of which 169, fortunately, have already recovered, with 25 infected today in recovery”, said superintendent Manuel Magina da Silva, in the speech that marked the PSP's 153rd anniversary.

The national director stressed that the PSP defined, at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, “a strategy to respond” to this threat, which included the creation of measures to prevent contagion among police officers, the purchase of personal protective equipment, namely, the individual distribution of a face shield, and the definition of a continuity plan for operational capacity to prepare the police for a long-term crisis.

Magina da Silva also noted that the strategy to combat the pandemic involves “the maximum readiness of all personnel”, definition of operational procedures that allow “knowing how to act and react on the ground” and raising citizens' awareness of compliance with the rules defined in every moment and adoption of measures to speed up the testing of police suspected of being infected.

The national director of the PSP also expressed “appreciation and admiration” for the “permanent dedication and availability” of the entire force of this police.

Present at the ceremony, the Minister of Internal Administration paid tribute to the policemen who were “at the forefront of defending the safety and health” of the Portuguese during the state of emergency and the calamity to deal with the covid-19.

“PSP never confined, nor was it telecommuting. They were always on the street”, said Eduardo Cabrita, highlighting the pedagogical performance that was maintained by this security force.