Paz to Bolivia’s new police command: “Where crime exists, the state must exist”

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz gave the country’s new police command a broad mandate: restore the state’s presence wherever criminal groups or violence have filled an institutional vacuum.

At the appointment ceremony for Colonel Adrián Javier Álvarez Arismendi as interim general commander of the Bolivian Police, Paz called for “work, integrity and results.” He said the government would support the new leadership, but would also demand clear performance from it.

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There can be no tolerance for those who use the uniform to obtain personal benefits, protect criminals or betray society’s trust.

The president warned that criminal organizations would not be allowed to impose their own rules on Bolivian territory. He also said officers could not use their uniforms for personal gain, to protect criminals or to betray public trust. “There can be no tolerance for those who use the uniform to obtain personal benefits, protect criminals or betray society’s trust,” Paz said.

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Where crime exists, the state must exist to protect people and end that crime. Where violence exists, authority must exist.

Paz identified organized crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, corruption and what he called narcoterrorism as targets of a permanent offensive. He described narcoterrorism as a threat to the country and said areas with incomplete institutional coverage required a stronger state presence. “Where crime exists, the state must exist to protect people and end that crime. Where violence exists, authority must exist,” he said.

He also made corruption investigations a central line of his administration, saying inquiries and sanctions should proceed regardless of who is involved. Paz said his government would respect the independence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, justice institutions and security bodies as they investigate and seek the truth. He also addressed General Mirko Sokol Saravia, who left the police command.

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Where corruption exists, there must be investigation and punishment. That is the central line and focus of this government, whoever is involved, I repeat, whoever it is.