public security

Costa Rica registered 569 homicides in 2020, representing a slight increase over the previous year, according to preliminary data provided by Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ). 

Despite the reduction in homicides, the 2019 data still works out to about 11.2 homicides per 100,000 occupants in Costa Rica.

The Beechcraft King Air 250 aircraft was purchased largely through a $7.5 million investment from the SVA with significant support from the U.S. Government.

The Public Security Ministry also doubled the number of National Police officers in the Cahuita district who are patrolling the Caribbean town around the clock.

The Judicial Investigation Police this week reported they have recorded 555 murders this year, just two less than the total number of homicides recorded in 2015. Crime figures last year prompted OIJ to declare 2015 as Costa Rica's most violent year in record.

Araya said the municipality is investing approximately ₡360 million ($647,000) in improving the city’s video surveillance system, which currently has 120 cameras mainly in downtown San José.

Costa Rica National Police launched a holiday season security operation on Friday to safeguard residents who will be collecting or spending money in the coming weeks.

Costa Rican Public Security Minister Gustavo Mata said Friday that institutions such as the Prosecutor’s Office and the Judicial Investigative Police (OIJ) must collaborate more to combat crime, and that citizens have a key role in reporting criminal activity in their communities.

Three of Robert Stewart's acquaintences told police that the missing man had been acting strangely in recent days, had stopped taking his prescription medication and voiced his intention to commit suicide.

The faltering police presence in Tamarindo has for years caused frustration among local residents and conflict between the popular beach town and the capital of the canton that...