Madeira's Forest Police force grows to 100 officers

Madeira's Forest Police (CPF) welcomed 36 new officers, bringing its total to 100, spread across 25 forest posts in seven zones of the archipelago. Regional secretary Eduardo Jesus said the reinforcement, the largest ever for the force, gives the region greater capacity to protect its mountains, two-thirds of which hold protected or reserve status. Between January and August, the CPF issued 281 fines for offences including unpaid trail-access fees, use of closed trails and illegal dumping. Four more officers will join later this year, reaching 104, at an annual cost of 955,000 euros.