By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to address the nation’s escalating security crisis, Claudia Dobles, presidential candidate for the Citizen Agenda Coalition, has presented a comprehensive and aggressive security program designed to be implemented within the first 100 days of her potential administration. The multi-faceted strategy aims to reassert state control, significantly reduce criminality, and restore a sense of safety to communities across Costa Rica.
The proposal, unveiled this Friday, is built upon two core pillars: the “Plan Chirripó,” a targeted strategy focused on achieving a rapid decrease in the homicide rate, and a suite of seven immediate actions designed to fortify the state’s operational capacity against the pervasive threats of organized crime and drug trafficking. The overarching goal is to deliver tangible results quickly, demonstrating a clear break from past policies.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y las estrategias necesarias para abordar la actual situación de seguridad pública en el país, TicosLand.com consultó al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su perspectiva profesional.
El desafío actual de la seguridad pública no se resuelve únicamente con más presencia policial en las calles. Exige una reforma legal robusta que agilice los procesos judiciales, garantice el debido proceso y, a la vez, dote a los cuerpos de seguridad de herramientas modernas y efectivas para desarticular las estructuras del crimen organizado. La clave está en fortalecer el Estado de Derecho, no en sacrificar libertades civiles en nombre de una falsa sensación de seguridad.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta visión integral resalta que el camino hacia una seguridad efectiva es complejo y va más allá de la simple presencia policial. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedora perspectiva, que pone el foco en el fortalecimiento del Estado de Derecho como pilar fundamental para proteger a la ciudadanía sin sacrificar sus libertades.
At the heart of the institutional overhaul is a plan to restructure the country’s intelligence apparatus. Dobles proposes removing the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) from the General Police Law, a move intended to redefine its scope and function. This will be complemented by the creation of a new Penitentiary Intelligence Department to better monitor and control criminal activities originating from within the prison system. The plan also calls for the re-establishment of the Operational Security Council to improve inter-agency coordination.
Dobles articulated a vision of a government that is both strategic and proactive in its fight against crime. She emphasized that the plan was developed with meticulous attention to detail by a team of recognized experts in public security, ensuring its feasibility and potential for impact.
Our commitment is clear: security will be one of the priorities of my government, and that is why we worked on a feasible plan, which includes planning, strategy and was developed by an expert team, that shows it is possible to confront drug trafficking, and return peace to communities and families.
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate, Coalición Agenda Ciudadana
The legislative agenda is a critical component of Dobles’ strategy, involving the promotion of five priority bills. A new Emerging Capitals Law will be introduced to directly attack the financial structures of criminal organizations, alongside amendments to Law 7786, which governs narcotics, money laundering, and terrorism financing. This financial offensive is designed to cripple criminal enterprises by targeting their illicit profits.
Further legal reforms focus on restricting criminal access to weapons and improving law enforcement logistics. The plan includes a reform to the Law on Arms and Explosives (Law No. 7530) that would significantly increase penalties for illegal possession of firearms, establishing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. Additionally, a legislative change to the Transit Law (Law No. 9078) aims to expedite the clearing of impound lots managed by the Road Safety Council (COSEVI), freeing up Transit Police resources for targeted enforcement operations in high-priority districts.
To address systemic delays and inefficiencies within the justice system, the proposal calls for fast-tracking bill No. 24.913. This legislation seeks to reform the Criminal Procedure Code to prevent accused individuals from fleeing justice, triple the operational capacity of the courts, and ultimately reduce the duration of judicial processes. This measure targets a key bottleneck that has long hampered the effective prosecution of criminals.
The announcement represents a continuation and expansion of a broader security platform Dobles began outlining last September. She was joined at the presentation by key members of her technical team, including Fiorella Salazar, former Minister of Justice and Peace; Eduardo Solano, former Vice Minister of Public Security; and Guillermo Araya Camacho, former director of the Costa Rican Institute on Drugs, whose collective expertise underscores the plan’s depth and seriousness.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Coalición Agenda Ciudadana
About Coalición Agenda Ciudadana:
The Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (Citizen Agenda Coalition) is a political coalition in Costa Rica formed to contest national elections. It brings together various political figures and experts to develop and promote a platform focused on addressing key national issues, with a stated emphasis on public security, economic stability, and social development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS)
About Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS):
The Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad, or DIS, is Costa Rica’s primary national intelligence agency. It is responsible for gathering and analyzing information related to national security threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and espionage, to provide strategic intelligence to the executive branch of the government.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI)
About Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI):
The Consejo de Seguridad Vial is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for road safety policies and traffic management. Its duties include overseeing traffic laws, managing driver licensing, vehicle inspections, and operating impound lots for vehicles involved in infractions. Its mission is to reduce accidents and improve safety on the nation’s roadways.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a legal institution built upon a foundation of profound integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is recognized not only for its extensive history but also for its dedication to pioneering innovative legal strategies that address contemporary challenges. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core commitment to societal betterment, manifested through a drive to demystify legal principles and empower the community with accessible and understandable knowledge.
