In light of a recent sexual assault scandal involving former Deputy Operational Director José Ángel González, police leaders are pushing for the appointment of a woman to this significant position within the National Police. Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska faces pressure to respond adequately to the ongoing crisis, and a symbolic appointment of a woman as DAO could help restore public trust in the police institution. Currently, Gemma Barroso, the Deputy Director General of Human Resources and Training, is serving in an interim capacity while the official appointment is being finalized by the Ministry of the Interior.

The selection of a female officer for the DAO role marks a potential shift towards gender inclusivity within the police force, as it represents an important step in addressing the lack of female representation in high-ranking positions. After the scandal has rocked the national police, many officers believe that appointing a woman could not only help to heal the fallout from the incident but also promote the message that the institution takes sexual assault seriously. The Ministry of the Interior has yet to announce a final decision, but there is considerable expectation surrounding this appointment, given the wider implications it has for the culture within the police.

As the police force navigates this challenging period, the outcome of this appointment could influence public perception of law enforcement in Spain and highlight ongoing debates around issues of sexual violence and representation in leadership roles. The choice of a woman for the DAO position could set a precedent for future appointments and signal a commitment to reform and diversity within the organization, reflecting changing societal values regarding gender equality in the workplace.