Public Force of Costa Rica

The Public Force of Costa Rica (Spanish: Fuerza Pública de Costa Rica) is the national law enforcement agency of Costa Rica. It helps keep the country safe.

One of the main jobs of the Public Force is to handle internal security. This means they work to keep communities safe and help everyone live peacefully. They also take care of border control, making sure people and goods follow the rules when they enter or leave Costa Rica.

Having a strong law enforcement agency like the Public Force is important. It helps create a safe place where people can live and work without worry. The Public Force plays a big role in keeping Costa Rica peaceful and stable.

History

On 1 December 1948, President of Costa Rica, José Figueres Ferrer, ended the Costa Rican military after the Costa Rican Civil War. In a ceremony in San José, he broke a wall with a mallet to show that the military was gone. In 1949, this decision was added to Article 12 of the Constitution of Costa Rica. The money that used to go to the military now helps with safety, schools, and culture. Costa Rica still has police forces. A museum called the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica was placed in Cuartel Bellavista to show the country’s focus on culture. In 1986, President Oscar Arias Sánchez made December 1 the Día de la Abolición del Ejército (Military abolition day) with Law #8115. Since 1948, Costa Rica has not had a civil war. The country has small police forces but no standing army.

In 1996, the Ministry of Public Security created the Fuerza Pública or Public Force. This brought together different police groups into one under the Ministry. They work on safety, law enforcement, stopping illegal activities, border patrol, and keeping tourists safe. The Costa Rica Coast Guard works under the Ministry but is not part of the Public Force.

There is also a small Special Forces Unit called the Unidad Especial de Intervencion (UEI). This group trains with special forces from around the world but is not part of the main police. It is part of the Intelligence and Security Directorate and reports to the Minister of the Presidency. The Public Force’s motto is “God, Fatherland, and Honour.” Commissioner of Police Juan José Andrade Morales is the current Commissioner General.

Ranks

The Public Force of Costa Rica has different levels of officers, like teams with captains and assistants. Important positions include Comisario de Policía, Comisionado de Policía, Comandante de Policía, and others. They all work together to keep the country safe.

Equipment

Small arms

The Public Force of Costa Rica uses many types of small guns for protection and safety. These include handguns and rifles that help officers keep order and protect people. The tools they use are chosen to make sure they can do their jobs well while staying safe.