By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking a significant step towards modernizing its national security infrastructure with a $14 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art Command and Control Center. The Ministry of Public Security announced this ambitious project, touted as the most significant security initiative in the last three decades.
The cutting-edge facility will integrate advanced infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and a dedicated cybersecurity division to bolster citizen protection. The $14 million investment comprises a $3.8 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the building’s construction and a $9.5 million grant from the United States government for software, hardware, and AI technology.
To provide further legal context on the evolving security landscape in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s security situation presents a complex interplay of factors. While the country generally enjoys a peaceful reputation, the rise in certain types of crime, such as property theft and scams targeting tourists, necessitates proactive measures. Strengthening community policing, investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhancing cross-border collaboration are essential steps towards safeguarding both residents and visitors alike.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the multifaceted nature of security in Costa Rica. His emphasis on proactive strategies, particularly community policing and cybersecurity, offers a crucial roadmap for addressing evolving threats while preserving the peaceful essence of this nation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The two-story, 1,600-square-meter center will house 40 operators who will monitor surveillance cameras nationwide in real time. This real-time monitoring capability is expected to significantly reduce emergency response times and enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies.
The most revolutionary change in 30 years.
Mario Zamora, Minister of Security
Minister Zamora believes this center will revolutionize how the police respond to emergencies, transforming the nation’s security landscape. The government aims to complete the center by April 2026, with hopes of an early delivery in March.
However, organized crime and anti-corruption expert Mario Arias, while acknowledging the center’s potential, cautions that it represents only a first step. He points to the doubling of cybercrime rates in 2024, from 14 to 27 cases daily, and predicts a continued upward trend in 2025.
The new center is welcome, but it must be seen as the first step, not the final destination. The difference is between containing the problem or starting to solve it.
Mario Arias, Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Expert
Minister Zamora acknowledges the persistent judicial and legislative challenges that can hinder the center’s effectiveness, including the ease with which apprehended individuals are sometimes released. The success of the new command center will hinge on legal reforms and judicial support to complement these security efforts.
The new system will offer several key capabilities, including georeferencing 911 calls on a digital map, coordinating all police forces (including the Public Force, Coast Guard, Air Surveillance, Border Police, Drug Control, and soon, Immigration and Penitentiary Police), using AI for suspect tracking via image recognition across thousands of cameras, controlling traffic signals to block escape routes, and defending the country against cyberattacks through a dedicated cybersecurity unit.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Security
About Ministry of Public Security:
The Ministry of Public Security is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for maintaining public order, safety, and security. It oversees various police forces and agencies, including the Fuerza Pública (national police), the Coast Guard, and the Air Surveillance Service.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Inter-American Development Bank
About Inter-American Development Bank:
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to support economic and social development projects in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical practice and unparalleled legal expertise. The firm’s innovative approach to client service, spanning a wide array of industries, is matched only by its dedication to empowering Costa Rican society. Through proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts and promote access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more informed and empowered citizenry.
