Ecuador recruits retired police, military for temporary prison security roles

Ecuador's government has launched an exceptional and temporary recruitment drive for retired police and military officers to reinforce security within the nation's prisons. This measure, announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, aims to address the ongoing crisis in the penitentiary system, which faces severe overcrowding and security challenges.

The Ministry of the Interior, the governing body for the National Rehabilitation System, will execute the call for applications. The initiative seeks to regain control over the prison system and advance its transformation process. This strategic move comes as Ecuador grapples with over 10,000 inmates in overcrowded facilities and significant security concerns, including the recent mobilization of over 9,500 prisoners in various operations.

The recruitment process is governed by a special regulation, Resolution Nro. OT-SNRS-2026-0001-R-EXQ, signed on June 29, 2026. It outlines specific phases for application, selection, evaluation, intensive training, and temporary linkage. Applicants must meet stringent criteria, including being in full enjoyment of civil rights, having a clean record free from serious offenses or convictions for intentional crimes, and demonstrating no ties to criminal organizations or terrorist groups. A high school diploma and a required technical-operational profile are also mandatory.

A Special Selection Commission, comprising representatives from the Ministry of the Interior and the National Service for the Integral Attention to Adults Deprived of Liberty (SNAI), will supervise the entire process. This commission's role is to ensure transparency, objectivity, and adherence to legal norms throughout the recruitment and deployment of these temporary security personnel.