Barranquilla builds police station to bolster security, alternate capital bid

Barranquilla is strengthening its security infrastructure with the construction of a new police station in the El Bosque neighborhood. Mayor Alejandro Char inspected the site, emphasizing its importance for the city's potential role as Colombia's alternate capital.

The three-story station will accommodate 120 officers operating 24 hours a day. Char stated on social media that the facility will be "at the height of Barranquilla as the alternate capital of Colombia." It is designed to enhance security in the southwestern locality, benefiting neighborhoods like El Bosque, Las Malvinas, La Paz, El Valle, San Felipe, and Los Andes.

This development is significant amid national discussions about designating Barranquilla as an alternate seat for the national government, an initiative promoted by president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. The new station aims to demonstrate the city's institutional and operational readiness.

The El Bosque station is part of a larger project to build four police mega-stations across the city. These stations are intended to increase the operational capacity of law enforcement and reduce response times to criminal activity. The administration reports that the El Bosque project is over 66% complete and ahead of schedule. Other planned stations include those in Malecón de Rebolo, Riomar, and Caribe Verde.