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 is responsible for keeping the country safe and secure. The Public Force works to protect people and their rights, maintain order, and ensure that laws are followed.

One of the main jobs of the Public Force is to handle internal security. This means they work to keep communities safe from threats and to support peaceful living for everyone. They also take care of border control, making sure that people and goods crossing into and out of Costa Rica follow the rules.

Having a strong and trusted law enforcement agency like the Public Force is important for any country. It helps create a safe environment where people can live, work, and go about their daily lives without fear. The work of the Public Force plays a big role in keeping Costa Rica a peaceful and stable place to live.

History

On 1 December 1948, President of Costa Rica, José Figueres Ferrer, ended the Costa Rican military after winning the Costa Rican Civil War. In a ceremony in San José, he broke a wall with a mallet to show that the military was no more. 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, similar to how teams have captains and assistants. Some of the important positions include Comisario de Policía, Comisionado de Policía, Comandante de Policía, and others, all working together to keep the country safe.

Equipment

Small arms