Costa Rica’s Worsening Security Crisis: Authorities Announce 10 Policies, But Experts Say It’s Not Enough
Despite a string of high-profile murders in recent weeks, including 14 deaths in Limón, a port city and drug-trafficking hotspot, Costa Rican authorities have announced 10 policies aimed at addressing the country’s worsening security crisis. However, experts say the measures do not address the underlying causes of crime and budget shortfalls that are hindering efforts to tackle the issue.
New Policies Announced
The new policies include:
- Increasing prison sentences for violent crimes
- Expanding the scope for prosecutors to bring charges against minors
- Giving authorities new powers to revoke citizenship from naturalized citizens convicted of drug-related crimes
These announcements come as Costa Rica has seen a record 17.2 homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a 38% increase from the previous year.
Experts Say More Needs to be Done
Many experts say that simply increasing penalties for criminals is not enough and that the government needs to address the root causes of crime, including budget shortfalls and socioeconomic issues. “We have a police force that is doing everything humanly possible with its resources. But on the other hand, there is a significant weakness in public policy, in the proper investment, in all these policies related to social welfare,” said Karen Jiménez Morales, Director of Police Sciences at the State University of Distance Education.
Budget Cuts and Inefficiencies
The government’s response to the security crisis has been marred by budget cuts and inefficiencies. In April 2023, President Rodrigo Chaves launched the Costa Rica Segura plan, which included hiring 700 new police officers and investing in new patrol cars. However, just three months into the plan, cuts to the general police budget left the institution struggling to purchase even basic equipment.
Institutional Corruption
The lack of funding for police forces has also created an environment ripe for institutional corruption, a problem that has increased alongside the spread of drug trafficking in the country. “If a drug trafficker then comes and says, I’ll give you $2,000 a month for information… we’re in bad shape,” said Manuel Garro Chacón, founder of the country’s municipal police.
Preventative Measures Needed
Experts say that addressing the root causes of crime will require preventative measures to address drug addiction and unemployment, as well as investment in education. “This is the reality for many young people. Now we see videos of assassinations, and we see very young individuals committing these acts,” said Jiménez Morales. “What the country really needs to reduce levels of violence is preventative measures to address drug addiction and unemployment, and investment in education.”
In conclusion, while the new policies announced by Costa Rican authorities may provide some temporary relief, experts say that a more comprehensive approach is needed to effectively address the worsening security crisis. This includes addressing budget shortfalls, socioeconomic issues, and institutional corruption, as well as investing in preventative measures such as education and job training programs.