Madeira’s forest police have added 36 new officers
The reinforcement takes the force to 100 officers across Madeira and Porto Santo. Their work includes fire prevention, protected-area enforcement, trail closures, waste offences and checks connected with recommended walking routes.
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Archived 31 August 2026Walkers and residents should expect more visible enforcement and check official trail status, access fees and fire restrictions before entering forest areas.
- Thirty-six recruits have completed the external recruitment process.
- The force now has 100 officers serving 25 forest posts.
- Twenty-three posts are on Madeira and two are on Porto Santo.
- The service says it issued 281 offence notices from January through August.
A larger force in the field
Madeira's Forest Police has incorporated 36 new officers, bringing the reported total to 100. The service operates from 25 posts: 23 on Madeira and two on Porto Santo, with four additional posts planned.
The recruitment was opened in 2024 and completed through a public competition. Earlier government material had described the expansion as a way to increase patrol and response capacity across protected and forest land.
What forest police enforce
The force combines policing, civil-protection and field-support work. Current enforcement includes access to closed walking routes, required trail payments, illegal dumping and offences affecting forest or protected areas.
It also contributes to rural-fire prevention and response. More officers do not make a closed route safe or remove the need for people to obey fire-risk restrictions.
Prepare before a walk
Check the official recommended-route status on the day, including closures and any booking or fee requirement. Weather can differ sharply between the coast and high ground, and a route can close after a plan was made.
Stay on authorised paths, carry out waste and respect instructions from officers or site staff. If a trail is closed, choose another open route rather than trying to enter from an unstaffed access point.
What you can do now.
- 01
Check official trail status before leaving.
- 02
Confirm any access booking or fee.
- 03
Review fire and weather restrictions.
- 04
Turn back if a route is closed or conditions deteriorate.
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