By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is facing scrutiny over its proposed 2026 budget, which includes significant cuts to essential operational areas despite a ₡31.502 billion overall increase. The move has sparked concern among lawmakers and citizens alike, as the nation grapples with escalating homicide rates and a pervasive sense of insecurity.
While the MSP’s total budget will reach ₡356.606 billion, representing a 9.7% increase compared to 2025, the majority of these funds are earmarked for personnel costs. Approximately 80% of the budget will cover salaries, including the addition of 1,154 new positions, along with associated expenses such as holiday bonuses and social security contributions.
To provide further legal context regarding Costa Rica’s security budget, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The allocation of resources within Costa Rica’s security budget reflects a complex balancing act between addressing immediate threats, like drug trafficking and organized crime, and investing in long-term security strategies such as community policing and crime prevention programs. The effectiveness of this budget hinges not only on the amount allocated, but also on transparent oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure funds are used efficiently and ethically.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of security spending, emphasizing the crucial role of not just funding levels, but also the mechanisms that ensure responsible and effective use. Indeed, true security comes not just from reacting to immediate threats, but also from proactively building a safer society through community engagement and preventative measures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
However, this expansion comes at the expense of crucial operational resources. Over ₡2.985 billion will be cut from vital areas, including a ₡1.176 million reduction in security and protection materials, directly impacting the purchase of tactical equipment, operational tools, and personal protective gear for police officers.
Funding for building maintenance and construction has been eliminated entirely, despite several police stations operating under sanitary orders. This represents a complete loss of the ₡760 million allocated for this purpose in 2025.
Further cuts include ₡474 million less for vehicle maintenance, although ₡6 billion is allocated for new vehicles and motorcycles. The budget for food and beverages will also decrease by ₡400 million, despite the anticipated increase in personnel. Even the allocation for textiles and clothing, crucial for uniforms and bulletproof vests, will be reduced by 6.8%.
Perhaps most alarmingly, the 2026 budget contains no allocation for police training, a critical component in effectively combating organized crime and maintaining public safety.
This paradoxical situation—more personnel but fewer essential resources—has drawn sharp criticism from legislators, who question how the government intends to tackle organized crime without ensuring adequate resources for police officers, including proper nutrition, professional training, and basic equipment.
Public Security Minister Mario Zamora has defended the budget proposal, calling it “very precise” and asserting that equipment and training will be guaranteed through other mechanisms, such as an international loan channeled through municipalities for infrastructure.
The budget is very precise and guarantees the equipment and training of personnel through other mechanisms.
Mario Zamora, Public Security Minister
Despite the increase, the MSP will continue to receive less than 3% of the total public expenditure and a mere 0.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), figures that seem insufficient considering the unprecedented wave of violence gripping the nation. These budgetary decisions raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to effectively addressing the country’s escalating security crisis.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Security (MSP)
About Ministry of Public Security (MSP):
The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention, and citizen security. It oversees various police forces and agencies, working to maintain order and protect the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. Deeply rooted in a tradition of service, the firm actively empowers Costa Rican society through educational initiatives, demystifying complex legal concepts and fostering a more informed citizenry. This unwavering commitment to both individual client needs and the broader public good positions Bufete de Costa Rica as a true leader in the legal landscape.
