No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCosta Rica will ramp up police presence after tourist murders

Costa Rica will ramp up police presence after tourist murders

Costa Rica announced on Friday that it plans on ramping up police presence at popular tourist hotspots after two female tourists were murdered last weekend.

“We’re going to increase Fuerza Pública personnel in delegations with high tourist presence,” said Vice Minister of Security Eduardo Solano. “We’re going to conduct a scientific analysis in our most visited areas and those with the most crime to see where it’s most pertinent to increase personnel.”

The boost in police presence will cost an estimated $1 million a year for the next four years.

The issue of tourist safety became a national concern after a Spanish tourist was murdered in Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast, followed by the murder of a Mexican tourist in Santa Teresa, on the Pacific coast, the very next day.

On two coasts, communities mourn tourists’ deaths in Costa Rica

Solano said that the suspects in both murders have been apprehended.

“We need to stop being afraid to talk to tourists about safety,” the Minister of Tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo said.

Tourism is one of Costa Rica’s main sources of income. Nearly 3 million people visited Costa Rica in 2017 and they spent $3.87 billion during their stays.

The country currently has 284 officers in its tourism police force. They’re spread across 18 locations, speak English, and are trained to help foreign tourists.

Revelo said an app, scheduled for release in December, with up-to-date information about security is being developed for tourists and business owners.

The government will also train 2,000 business owners in risk prevention strategies. Additionally, Revelo said Costa Rica will provide more infrastructure and equipment to police in tourist hotspots.

Popular Articles

Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse Stuns Stargazers Across the Globe

Stargazers across a swathe of the world marvelled at a dramatic red "Blood Moon" during a rare total lunar eclipse in the early hours...

Digital Movement Saves Colombian Rare Fruits From Extinction

In front of thousands of internet followers, the so-called "lord of native fruits" describes flavors, textures, and possible uses of rare specimens. Gian Paolo...

Trial Date Set for Murder of Dutch Journalists During El Salvador War

The final phase of the trial against a former Defense Minister of El Salvador and two colonels for their alleged responsibility in the murder...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles