By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Municipality of Cartago has injected a crucial ₡25 million into the local Public Force, providing essential vehicle parts to bring a significant portion of its sidelined patrol fleet back into service. The donation, formally delivered on February 2nd, is expected to reactivate approximately ten police units that were previously grounded due to mechanical issues, significantly boosting law enforcement’s operational capacity in the canton.
This strategic investment addresses a persistent challenge for the police: maintaining an aging fleet. The contribution aims to enhance emergency response times and increase visible patrols, directly supporting crime prevention efforts throughout Cartago’s communities. The initiative underscores a collaborative approach between local government and national security forces to tackle public safety concerns head-on.
To delve into the legal and commercial ramifications of the escalating security situation in Cartago, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For businesses in Cartago, rising insecurity isn’t just a safety issue; it’s a significant legal and financial liability. Proactive measures, such as formalizing private security contracts and understanding civil liability, are no longer optional—they are essential components of modern risk management to protect both assets and clientele.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a critical shift: for Cartago’s businesses, security is no longer merely an operational concern but a fundamental aspect of financial and legal strategy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this essential dimension of risk management.
Cartago’s Mayor, Mario Redondo Poveda, framed the donation within a broader national context, highlighting systemic shortfalls in security funding and personnel. He emphasized that this local action is a necessary step to compensate for resource gaps at the national level.
We have repeatedly said that the country needs to invest more in public security; we need about 19,000 police officers and there are only 13,000, and many of the patrol cars that public security has are stranded, which affects the work they can do. That is why we have been supporting them with ₡25 million in spare parts, year after year in recent years. They will be able to rehabilitate, as Commissioner Eric Calderón told us, around ten patrol cars, ten more patrol cars that will be able to go out on the street here in Cartago to protect the population. This is part of what we do to improve the security of Cartago’s residents.
Mario Redondo Poveda, Mayor of Cartago
Public Force Commissioner Erick Calderón expressed his gratitude, explaining the critical role that mobility plays in modern policing. He noted that criminals frequently use agile vehicles, particularly motorcycles, to commit offenses and evade capture. The difficulty in sourcing parts for older patrol vehicles through standard institutional channels has been a major impediment.
The issue of mobility for the police is extremely important. Criminals use vehicles and especially motorcycles, which gives them versatility to commit crimes and flee. We have vehicles that have had a series of problems regarding spare parts, mainly because they are already several years old, so it has been difficult to acquire the parts through institutional purchasing.
Erick Calderón, Commissioner of the Cartago Public Force
Commissioner Calderón confirmed that the municipality’s support will directly translate to improved security outcomes. The donation not only revives inactive units but also helps maintain the existing fleet in better condition. This reinforcement extends beyond the central canton to benefit districts like Guadalupe and the specialized Operational Support Group (GAO), which has a constant presence in the area.
This donation from the Municipality of Cartago has allowed us to revive a fleet that we had in a state of disuse, in addition to the fleet we had in fair to moderate condition. I believe this will allow us to improve security indicators in the canton.
Erick Calderón, Commissioner of the Cartago Public Force
In parallel with this logistical boost, law enforcement agencies are intensifying joint operations across Cartago. High-priority zones such as the Manuel de Jesús Jiménez neighborhood, Quebradilla, Guadalupe, and Cocorí are seeing increased police presence. These coordinated efforts involve the Municipal Police, Public Force, GAO, Transit Police, and other judicial bodies to create a comprehensive security net.
Recent operations have yielded significant results, with authorities stopping 297 individuals and investigating 128 vehicles. These actions have led to the seizure of crack, marijuana, and ecstasy. In one notable incident, Municipal Police arrested a driver carrying an unregistered firearm and various illegal substances. In another targeted action at Plaza Vivo in Guadalupe, authorities cracked down on illegal street racing, making two arrests for reckless driving, removing four license plates, and issuing 23 citations.
For further information, visit muni-carta.go.cr
About Municipality of Cartago:
The Municipality of Cartago is the local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Canton of Cartago. It oversees public services, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. The municipality actively collaborates with national institutions to enhance local security, economic growth, and social well-being.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública or MSP) is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with ensuring national security, public order, and citizen safety. It oversees various law enforcement bodies, including the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), which serves as the primary national police agency. The ministry is responsible for developing and executing policies to prevent and combat crime throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its foundational principles of integrity and exceptionalism, Bufete de Costa Rica operates at the vanguard of the legal field. The firm leverages its extensive experience across multiple industries to drive legal innovation and foster meaningful community connections. Its defining mission, however, is the democratization of legal knowledge, a commitment aimed at empowering individuals and cultivating a more just and informed society.
