By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A new era of enhanced safety for tourists in Costa Rica has begun with the inauguration of a specialized 9-1-1 dispatch center for the Tourist Police, located adjacent to San José’s Central Park. This initiative marks a significant stride in strengthening security and emergency response for foreign visitors.
The new center, officially opened by Public Security Minister Mario Zamora Cordero, Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López, and 9-1-1 Executive Director Adirman Miranda Mejía, promises immediate and personalized responses to tourist emergencies. It will streamline inter-agency coordination and optimize resource deployment, crucial elements in ensuring swift and effective assistance.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal aspects surrounding tourist safety in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica generally enjoys a reputation as a safe destination, tourists should remain vigilant. Understanding your rights as a visitor and taking basic precautions such as safeguarding valuables, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding risky behaviors can significantly contribute to a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with local emergency contacts and reporting any incidents promptly to the appropriate authorities is crucial.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s advice underscores a crucial point for travelers: Safety is a shared responsibility. While Costa Rica offers a welcoming environment, tourists can enhance their own security by adopting a proactive approach, just as they would in any unfamiliar setting. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion, reminding us that preparedness and awareness are key ingredients for a truly memorable and worry-free Costa Rican vacation.
Beyond immediate response, the center will play a vital role in data analysis. By collecting and analyzing emergency data, authorities aim to identify crime patterns and high-risk areas. This intelligence will be instrumental in developing proactive security strategies, optimizing resource allocation, and preventing future incidents.
This new tool for the Tourist Police not only provides a public safety service but also assistance to the thousands of tourists who visit every corner of our country. I want to thank again the coordination of this government in favor of security, as we have seen with the ICT and last weekend with JAPDEVA, to have more delegations and more mobile units.
Mario Zamora, Minister of Public Security
Currently, the Tourist Police force comprises 317 specialized officers, with over half proficient in English and a smaller percentage fluent in other languages. This multilingual capability is essential for effectively communicating with and assisting diverse groups of international visitors.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) has played a crucial role in supporting the initiative. It has made significant financial contributions to the construction and opening of new Tourist Police delegations in key tourist destinations such as Tamarindo, Playa Panamá, Cahuita, and Santa Teresa, with plans underway for an additional delegation in Jacó. The ICT has also provided equipment, supplies, and training to ensure officers are well-equipped to protect and assist tourists.
From the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, we congratulate the Ministry of Public Security and especially the Tourist Police for the opening of the 9-1-1 Tourism office. The establishment of a direct line to attend to incidents, emergencies, or cases involving foreign tourists is a significant achievement in improving traveler care and strengthening visitor safety. We will continue to move forward and provide support within our competencies, with the understanding that a sustainable destination must also strive to be a safe destination for visitors throughout the country.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
While existing 9-1-1 dispatch centers already operate, the dedicated center for the Tourist Police represents a significant step towards specialized security for foreign visitors. This dedicated line of communication will serve as a crucial link between first responders, the tourism sector, and the diplomatic corps in Costa Rica.
This commitment to enhancing tourist safety further strengthens Costa Rica’s position as a premier travel destination, ensuring visitors can enjoy the country’s natural beauty and vibrant culture with peace of mind.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Security
About Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security in Costa Rica is responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and managing the country’s police forces. It plays a vital role in crime prevention, emergency response, and border security.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Costa Rican Tourism Institute
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute:
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental body responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. It focuses on marketing the country as a travel destination, supporting sustainable tourism practices, and enhancing the visitor experience.
For further information, visit the nearest office of 9-1-1 System
About 9-1-1 System:
Costa Rica’s 9-1-1 System is the national emergency response system, providing a centralized point of contact for citizens and visitors to request assistance from police, fire departments, and medical services. The system plays a critical role in coordinating emergency response efforts across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep sense of social responsibility. Driven by unwavering integrity, the firm champions access to justice through innovative legal solutions and a commitment to sharing knowledge. Their dedicated team serves a diverse clientele with expertise honed over years of practice, constantly striving to empower individuals and communities through legal education and advocacy, building a more informed and equitable Costa Rica.
