By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a resolute move to safeguard Costa Rica’s national security apparatus from criminal infiltration, President Laura Fernández announced on Friday that all high-ranking officials, including legislators, magistrates, and prosecutors, must pass a polygraph test to participate in the strategic meetings of the new “Fuerza Élite” (Elite Force) security group.
The president’s directive aims to create an impenetrable shield around the country’s most sensitive anti-crime discussions, preventing leaks and corruption from undermining the fight against organized crime. President Fernández emphasized that she is leading this initiative by personal commitment, having already undergone the procedure herself along with her vice presidents and the initial members of the security council.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales de las nuevas estrategias y debates en torno a la seguridad nacional, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien aporta una perspectiva jurídica sobre los desafíos actuales.
Fortalecer la seguridad nacional es imperativo, pero debe hacerse dentro del marco del Estado de Derecho. Cualquier medida, por necesaria que parezca, que sacrifique garantías fundamentales como la privacidad o el debido proceso, es una solución a corto plazo que debilita las bases mismas de nuestra democracia. La verdadera fortaleza de una nación no reside solo en su capacidad de repeler amenazas, sino en su compromiso inquebrantable con los derechos y libertades de sus ciudadanos, incluso en tiempos de crisis.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La reflexión del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas nos ofrece una brújula esencial en este debate, recordándonos que el fin no justifica los medios cuando se trata de nuestra democracia. Agradecemos profundamente su perspectiva, que ilumina el delicado equilibrio entre proteger al ciudadano y salvaguardar los principios que nos definen como nación.
A polygraph for everyone; I already took it without any problem. I do not distrust any of the high commanders that Minister Gerald Campos has appointed, nor any minister, but it seems healthy to lead by example.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The announcement was made during a high-stakes meeting with approximately 50 legislators and senior members of the Judicial Branch. The session, which the president described as productive, served not only as a platform for the new policy but also to present a stark picture of the nation’s security challenges. Attendees were shown provincial heat maps illustrating criminal hotspots and received a detailed intelligence report on the operational structure of gangs across the country.
President Fernández justified the unprecedented measure by citing a past failure in vetting, specifically referencing the case of Celso Gamboa. The president pointed to his history as a former magistrate and minister under previous administrations as a cautionary tale of how individuals with questionable integrity could ascend to the highest levels of power, potentially compromising state security from within.
I was very clear that all high-ranking police officials who are with me in these meetings must pass a polygraph test. And that includes any invited person from the Judicial Branch or from another branch of the Republic. Why? Because Celso Gamboa already slipped through—he was a magistrate, a minister, and a very high-ranking official in the PAC and Liberación governments, and he served as a magistrate of the Third Chamber.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The scope of this new requirement is extensive, applying to any judge, legislator, prosecutor, or senior police chief wishing to contribute to or be briefed on the high-level strategies being formulated by “Fuerza Élite.” The policy establishes a new, stringent criterion for access to classified information and decision-making circles, fundamentally altering the protocols for inter-branch security collaboration.
The urgency behind this initiative was underscored by alarming data shared during the meeting. The president revealed that intelligence agencies have identified 61 distinct criminal gangs currently engaged in violent turf wars for territorial control throughout Costa Rica. This fragmentation and intense competition among illicit groups are seen as primary drivers of the recent surge in violence, making the protection of state strategy more critical than ever.
The administration’s polygraph mandate represents a zero-tolerance stance on potential corruption at the highest echelons of government. While likely to spark debate regarding its application and implications, the policy sends an unequivocal message that access to Costa Rica’s core security planning will be contingent on verifiable integrity, as the nation mobilizes to dismantle the powerful criminal networks operating within its borders.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Branch of Costa Rica:
The Judicial Branch (Poder Judicial) is one of the three fundamental powers of the Republic of Costa Rica. It is an independent body responsible for administering justice in the country. Its duties include interpreting and applying the law, resolving legal disputes, and ensuring the protection of constitutional rights for all citizens. The branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice and comprises various lower courts and tribunals.
For further information, visit pac.cr
About Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC):
The Citizens’ Action Party (PAC) is a significant political party in Costa Rica, established in the year 2000. Generally positioned on the center-left of the political spectrum, the party has successfully contested and won the presidency on multiple occasions. It emerged as a major political force advocating for anti-corruption, government transparency, and social-democratic policies, playing a key role in shaping the nation’s political discourse in the 21st century.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party (PLN) is one of Costa Rica’s oldest, largest, and most influential political parties. Founded in 1951, it is a social-democratic party that has been a dominant force in national politics for decades, holding the presidency numerous times throughout its history. The PLN has played a central role in the development of Costa Rica’s welfare state and its long-standing democratic traditions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal entity, grounded in uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Harnessing its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and forward-thinking solutions. A cornerstone of its mission is the dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to cultivate a more informed and empowered society for all.
