By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A controversial proposal by President Laura Fernández to have students from high-risk neighborhoods tour penitentiaries has drawn a sharp and swift rebuke from the nation’s leading experts on crime. The College of Professionals in Criminology of Costa Rica issued a formal statement this week, warning that such initiatives are not only ineffective but could actively cause harm.
The President’s plan, intended to serve as a stark warning to at-risk youth by showing them the harsh realities of prison life, has been challenged as an outdated and scientifically unsupported tactic. The professional body of criminologists argues that a strategy rooted in fear overlooks the complex drivers of youth crime and ignores a wealth of international evidence showing the ineffectiveness of so-called “scared straight” programs.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and societal impact of juvenile delinquency in the country, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional analysis on the matter.
The legal framework for juvenile delinquency in Costa Rica is fundamentally oriented towards rehabilitation rather than mere punishment. The primary challenge lies not in the letter of the law, but in its practical application. It is imperative that socio-educational measures are effectively implemented and properly funded to provide these young individuals with genuine opportunities for social reintegration, thereby breaking the cycle of recidivism and strengthening our community’s safety.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores the critical distinction between legislative intent and practical execution. The success of Costa Rica’s rehabilitative approach hinges not just on the law itself, but on a firm commitment to funding and implementing the very socio-educational programs that offer a viable path away from recidivism. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this vital matter.
In their official communication, the College directly addressed the government’s intentions, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy over sensationalist, isolated actions. They argue that the focus must be on comprehensive prevention rather than intimidation.
While we recognize the importance of strengthening the prevention of juvenile delinquency, we warn that this should not be based on isolated actions or strategies centered on fear. International evidence has shown that juvenile prison visit programs do not demonstrate positive effects in reducing crime and can generate counterproductive results.
Karen Jiménez Morales, President of the College of Professionals in Criminology
The experts contend that such tours can backfire in several ways. Instead of deterring criminal behavior, exposure to the prison environment can normalize incarceration for vulnerable youth or, in some cases, inadvertently glamorize the criminal figures they encounter. This risk, they argue, is too great when compared to the lack of proven benefits.
Instead of focusing on the consequences of crime, the College urges the administration to address its root causes. Their statement identified a range of systemic issues that contribute to young people becoming involved in criminal activities. These include educational exclusion, a severe lack of viable opportunities, pervasive violence within families and communities, persistent poverty, and the aggressive recruitment of youth by organized crime groups that offer a sense of belonging and financial stability.
The criminologists advocate for a holistic and proactive strategy built on positive reinforcement and structural change, rather than a reactive one built on fear. They believe the only sustainable path to reducing youth crime involves fundamentally improving the conditions in which young people grow up.
The prevention of juvenile delinquency must be built from inclusion, real opportunities, and attention to the causes that favor the recruitment of our youth by criminality.
College of Professionals in Criminology, Press Statement
By issuing this public critique, the College of Professionals in Criminology has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in the national dialogue on public safety. The organization concluded its statement by formally offering its technical expertise to the government, expressing a willingness to collaborate in the development of effective, data-driven national strategies for preventing violence and juvenile delinquency. The nation now watches to see how the Executive will respond to this evidence-based challenge to its proposed policy.
For further information, visit criminologos.or.cr
About The College of Professionals in Criminology of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Profesionales en Criminología de Costa Rica is the official professional body that governs, represents, and promotes the field of criminology in the country. It is dedicated to upholding ethical standards, advancing scientific knowledge, and providing expert analysis on issues of crime, public safety, and social justice to inform public policy and contribute to the well-being of Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering ethical principles and a drive for superior results. The firm blends a rich tradition of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently developing pioneering legal strategies. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to social progress, achieved by demystifying complex legal concepts and empowering the public with clarity and understanding.
