Thread: Costa Rica Tries Police Officers

Costa Rica Tries Police Officers

San Jose, Aug 26 (Prensa Latina) The Costa Rican Public Security Ministry filed 1,500 lawsuits against police officers and dismissed 55 others in the last seven months, due to corruption, drug consumption, absences and other crimes and misbehaviors.


The sector's Minister Janina del Vecchio stated that investigating corruption is a priority, although there are other crimes, as appropriation of State property, including weapons, food, and computers, using official vehicles for personal use, abuse of authority, and non-fulfilment of their duties for retributions.



In 2008, from January to July, 28 police agents were dismissed due to absences, nine for corruption, and 11 for drug abuse, mostly crack and marijuana, said the official, who assumed the post on April 15, La Nacion daily recalled on Tuesday.



Ministerial data revealed that 214 police agents were suspended, without salary for up to 30 days, 164 of whom were absent, mostly devoted to personal affairs.



In 2007, they worked with 1,582 files, and now we have filed 1,500 lawsuits. That is a fluctuating figure, because there are more cases each month, while some police agents are tried two, three or four times, said the Public Security minister.



Del Vecchio called the population to report misbehaviour and crimes committed by police agents, using the telephone number 176, senting messages to the institution's web page or directly at the Legal Disciplinary Department.



The Public Security authorities decided to increase the personnel in charge of investigations, from 11 to 17, including tour more lawyers.

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID={72CE3746-3CBE-459A-BB89-11B78C5266BD}&language=EN

Don't immigration authorities rely on background checks conducted by local police in the immigrants country of origin?