Andorra

Andorra is a small country of 69,000 people and 468 square kilometers, located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Its economy is driven primarily by tourism, although a banking industry attracts significant offshore investment because of Andorra's low taxes.

Andorra is believed to have been first recognized by the French emperor Charlemagne as a buffer zone to prevent Arab and Muslim infiltration of France. It has continued as a zone belonging both to France and Spain since the 13th century, and to this day, although independent, recognizes both France and Spain as its heads of state. Its first police force was founded in 1931 and consisted of six officers and one captain. The force has since grown in response to modern demands and obtained official status with the country's 1993 constitution.

As of early 2004, the police had approximately 240 members, a ratio of 1 officer for every 287 citizens.

The Police is commanded by a director who has a small support staff. It is divided administratively into three branches: Public Security, Criminal, and Support.

The Public Security Branch is responsible for conducting patrols, maintaining the peace, controlling traffic, and controlling Andorra's borders. The Criminal Branch includes an investigation unit, a forensic department, and Andorra's Interpol office. The Support Branch has units responsible for crime analysis, training, public information, policy development, and legal questions.

In addition, the Andorra police has specialized squads for V.I.P. protection, a bomb squad, a tactical intervention unit, a canine unit, and, because of Andorra's mountainous environment, a search and rescue squad.

Recruits to the police force must pass an entrance examination. Other qualifications include Andorra citizenship, age between 19 and 35 years, minimum height and body composition requirements, a secondary school diploma, ability to speak Catalan and French, a driver's license, knowledge of the culture and history of Andorra, and ability to pass tests of physical and psychological fitness.

Andorra is a member of Interpol. It has cooperation agreements with Spain and participates in European police exchanges.