Costa Rica’s National Police beefs up security in San José

The Costa Rican National Police this week initiated extra protective measures to prepare for the annual payment of Christmas bonuses (aguinaldos) in Costa Rica, National Police Director Juan José Andrade said.

During the first stage of preparations, police installed five watchtowers in San José and sent 100 extra officers to patrol in the center of the capital. Andrade said that an additional group of 24 bicycle cops hit the streets.

Surveillance tasks will focus on 1st and 6th avenues as well as 9th and 14th streets, the main commercial and banking area of San José, Andrade said.

A second stage of extra year-end security measures starts Nov. 15, when the National Police will send 200 additional officers to patrol residential neighborhoods.

The second phase of the police strategy will continue through Dec. and includes the placement of six more watchtowers in the capital.