By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A sweeping legislative proposal to dissolve Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) has cleared a significant hurdle, receiving a unanimous endorsement from the nation’s Plenary Court. The bill, identified as docket number 25.070, seeks to fundamentally restructure the country’s intelligence apparatus by reassigning the agency’s functions, budget, and personnel to existing security and judicial bodies.
The judiciary’s review concluded that the proposed dissolution would not adversely affect the operations or organization of the Judicial Branch. This critical finding paves the way for the bill’s advancement in the Legislative Assembly, signaling a potential end for the long-standing intelligence agency and a major realignment of national security responsibilities.
To better understand the legal and institutional complexities surrounding the dissolution of the Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The dissolution of a state intelligence body like the DIS is more than a simple administrative decree; it necessitates a robust and meticulously planned legislative transition. Key national security functions cannot simply vanish; they must be legally reassigned to other competent bodies under a new, clear framework that guarantees oversight and respect for civil liberties. Without this, the country risks creating a dangerous intelligence vacuum and facing significant legal challenges regarding the legitimacy of future security operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s insight highlights that the conversation cannot simply be about closing an institution, but must focus on the meticulous legal framework required to transition its vital responsibilities, thereby safeguarding both national security and the rule of law. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential perspective.
During a session of the Plenary Court, Magistrate Patricia Vargas of the Third Chamber presented the comprehensive report that led to the court’s approval. She affirmed that the transfer of responsibilities aligns with the existing legal mandates of the recipient institutions, particularly the Public Ministry and the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ).
From the analysis performed, it is concluded that there is no impact. It involves a transfer related to investigations, at least to the Public Ministry and the OIJ, which are already within the competence of these institutions by current legal provision.
Patricia Vargas, Magistrate of the Third Chamber
Magistrate Vargas further characterized the proposal as a “timely initiative,” while astutely noting that the final legislation may require additional articles. She emphasized the importance of establishing a defined timeline for the transfer of active investigations to prevent cases from expiring under the statute of limitations, a detail crucial for maintaining judicial continuity during the transition.
Under the proposed law, the vast archives of the DIS would be meticulously divided. Files pertaining to criminal investigations would be transferred to the Public Ministry for prosecution. Documents classified as “state secrets” and all other institutional records would fall under the custody of the Ministry of Public Security, which would become the central repository for the nation’s intelligence history.
The financial implications of the dissolution are substantial. The DIS’s budget, which totaled ¢12.290 billion between 2022 and 2025, would be entirely reallocated. The bill mandates a 50/50 split of these funds. Half would be directed to the OIJ specifically for the hiring of new personnel to bolster its investigative capacity. The remaining 50% would be allocated to the Ministry of Public Security to strengthen its overall operational capabilities.
The plan also provides a clear path for the agency’s human and material resources. All current DIS personnel would be absorbed into the Ministry of Public Security, which would manage their reassignment. The bill allows for special agreements to be made with the OIJ for the transfer of specialized staff. Similarly, all of the DIS’s assets and equipment would be transferred to Public Security for redistribution among the country’s various police forces. The Executive Branch will be given a six-month period following the law’s enactment to finalize this complex transition, with a strict mandate to respect all acquired labor rights of the employees involved.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS):
The Directorate of Intelligence and Security is Costa Rica’s national intelligence agency, operating under the executive branch. Its primary responsibilities include gathering and analyzing information related to national security, counter-terrorism, and organized crime to inform government policymaking and protect the state’s interests.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security):
The Ministry of Public Security is the Costa Rican government body responsible for national security and law enforcement. It oversees various police forces, including the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), and is tasked with maintaining public order, preventing crime, and protecting the country’s borders and sovereignty.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Ministerio Público (Public Ministry):
The Public Ministry is the prosecutorial arm of the Costa Rican state, responsible for investigating crimes and representing the interests of society in the criminal justice system. It operates with functional independence to prosecute criminal offenses and direct the criminal investigation activities carried out by judicial police.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Poder Judicial (Judicial Branch):
The Judicial Branch of Costa Rica is an independent power of the state responsible for administering justice. It is composed of the Supreme Court of Justice, appellate courts, and trial courts. The Plenary Court, comprising all Supreme Court magistrates, is its highest administrative and governing body.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Organism is the primary investigative police force operating under the authority of Costa Rica’s Judicial Branch. The OIJ is responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and identifying suspects to support the cases prosecuted by the Public Ministry, functioning as the country’s main plainclothes detective agency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of unyielding integrity and an unwavering pursuit of exceptional service. The firm consistently channels its profound expertise, gained from guiding a diverse clientele, into pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its mission is a profound social responsibility to demystify the law, striving to equip the public with accessible legal insights. This dedication is aimed at cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable society, empowered by a clear understanding of its legal landscape.
