ROLE OF THE POLICE IN COSTA RICA

• NCJ Number: 147213
• Author(s): P Kassebaum
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented to the Western Society of Criminology, Las Vegas, Nevada, February 1990

Annotation

This paper explores the role of the police in contemporary Costa Rica. The country is at a crossroads, and must decide whether to expand the limited military capability of its police force.

Abstract

The police now have possession of some military equipment and officers receive limited military training. The U.S. has supplied most of the outside support to Costa Rica. This paper describes the influences of foreign aid and the reality of Costa Rica's military capabilities today. International geopolitical forces have forced Costa Rica to accept a small military capability including a coast guard, air wing, and equipment to expand the role of limited police officers into ground troops. Future challenges confronting the Costa Rica police include drug trafficking in the region, an uncertain economic climate in the hemisphere, and other political and social unrest that may spill over into the country. 35 notes