Kattia Chavarría, director of the tourist police within the MSP, announced the deployment of a team of 30 new agents of the tourist police specially trained for this role. These agents will be deployed throughout the country, from north to south, as well as in other highly touristy regions such as beaches and volcanoes.
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Furthermore, their presence is strengthened during iconic days of the holiday season, such as Christmas and New Year, when gatherings are plentiful. By ensuring the security and offering assistance to tourists, the tourist police contribute to ensuring that these moments of joy remain unforgettable and worry-free, while promoting a positive image of the country to visitors.
Chavarría emphasized that one of the major advantages of these 30 agents is their bilingualism and specific training to effectively handle incidents involving tourists of all nationalities.
Tourists, whether local or foreign, planning to explore Costa Rica during the upcoming tourist season, which is already underway, can rejoice in the initiative taken by the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) to strengthen the tourist police and enhance their safety.
« These new agents have been carefully trained to respond appropriately to all possible situations in the tourist sector. For example, we will send teams to Tamarindo and other areas of Guanacaste to reinforce the local forces, » explained Chavarría.
« As I prepare for my solo trip through Costa Rica as a woman, knowing about the existence of the tourist police gives me an added sense of security. »
– Jessica Marceau, Canada
The mission of this group is to address all eventualities encountered by visitors and to intervene immediately when needed. One of their major assets is their ability to provide personalized assistance to tourists by speaking English and collecting complaints on the spot, while ensuring they are escorted to secure areas as needed.
« The protection of residents and visitors is essential due to its impact on other areas, such as the creation of formal jobs, payment of taxes to the national and local government, as well as the demand for goods and services, making Playa Tamarindo one of the most sought-after destinations in the Guanacaste province. »
– Hernán Imhoff, President of the Tamarindo Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (CCTT)
« The protection of residents and visitors is essential due to its impact on other areas, such as the creation of formal jobs, payment of taxes to the national and local government, as well as the demand for goods and services, making Playa Tamarindo one of the most sought-after destinations in the Guanacaste province. »
Understanding Law Enforcement in Costa Rica
Known for its peaceful disposition and the absence of military forces, Costa Rica heavily relies on its police forces to maintain public order. These forces, which include the Public Force, Traffic Police (Transito), Tourist Police, Border Police, and several specialized units, play a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of the country.
If you are traveling in Costa Rica and require immediate assistance, you can call the general emergency number 911 for free from any phone.
