Codina promoted to highest operational level
Commissar Josep Codina, a senior officer from Manresa, has been promoted to the Prefectura, the highest organisational and operational command body within the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force. The move sees him leave his post as head of the Ponent police region, which covers Lleida province, a role he has held since 2024. At 60 years old, Codina holds a degree in Primary Education and a master’s in Public Security, Crisis and Emergency Management. His career includes senior roles such as chief commissioner of the General Commissariat for Institutional Relations, head of instructors at the Catalan Police Institute (the former police academy), and leadership positions in local commands across Bages, Pallars Sobirà, Solsonès, Berguedà and Osona.
Leadership reshuffle follows Trapero resignation
This appointment is part of a broader restructuring following the resignation of former director general Josep Lluís Trapero on 9 September 2026 and the recent retirement of Miquel Esquius, former chief commissioner. As reported by RTVE and confirmed by multiple outlets including Segre.com, Ferran López has taken over as director general, while Sílvia Catà has become the first woman to serve as chief commissioner. Catà has appointed Ramon Chacón, previously general head of investigation, as her executive deputy. Rafel Comes joins Codina in the Prefectura alongside superintendent Toni Rodríguez, who remains in post.
Estela returns to lead Lleida region
Codina’s departure from Ponent paves the way for Josep Maria Estela to return as head of the region. According to Segre.com, Estela will resume the role on 13 October 2026. A native of Alcarràs in Lleida, Estela previously led the Ponent region between October 2022 and November 2024 before serving in the Prefectura under Esquius. Estela had stepped down two years ago amid controversy, with officers accusing the then-Interior Minister Joan Ignasi Elena of political interference. He has also led police operations in Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre and briefly served as interim head of the entire force.
Further changes expected
Additional leadership appointments are expected before Christmas, particularly in Central, Camp de Tarragona, and Metropolitan North regions, according to internal briefings reported by El Nacional. The Girona commissioner post remains vacant following Catà’s promotion. The reorganisation aims to stabilise command after the dual departure of Trapero and Esquius, with new leadership focusing on proximity policing, decentralised organised crime, and youth gang prevention, as outlined in Ara.cat.
“We are entering a new phase of stability and continuity,” said an internal briefing at the central Egara headquarters on the morning of 7 October, attended by senior commanders from across Catalonia.
Reported by segre.com, Guillem RS, rtve.es, Miriam Saint-Germain, elcontrapunt.cat, larazon.es, en.ara.cat, lamanyana.cat, Regió7.
