The Spanish Interior Ministry has appointed Chief Commissioner José Santafé Arnedo, currently the Chief of Police in the Balearic Islands, as the new Deputy Operational Director (DAO) of the National Police. This appointment comes after the resignation of José Ángel González, who stepped down amidst allegations of sexual assault. The DAO is the highest position a police officer can hold in the National Police and Santafé was one of 89 male candidates eligible for the role, in contrast to only 22 women in similar ranks.

Following González's resignation on February 17, Gema Barroso, another chief commissioner who heads the Human Resources Sub-directorate, had temporarily taken over the responsibilities, fulfilling the official procedural requirements until a new appointment could be made. The announcement from the Interior Ministry details that this decision was made by Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, based on the recommendation of the National Police director general, Francisco Pardo Piqueras.

Santafé Arnedo's appointment reflects an important shift in the leadership of Spain's police force, particularly following the serious charges against González. The involvement of high-level authorities like the Interior Minister in the selection process signals a commitment to maintaining integrity within the police. Given that the police sector has been recognizing issues related to gender representation, this transition may also prompt discussions on the role and number of women in leadership positions within the police force.