Santa Cruz Governorate demands threefold police increase to fight organized crime

Authorities in Bolivia's Santa Cruz Governorate are urgently calling for a significant reinforcement of law enforcement to tackle the growing threat of organized crime. The Secretary of Citizen Security, Jorge Santistevan, proposed tripling the current police force in the department, which stands at approximately 5,000 officers, to a total of 15,000.

Santistevan emphasized that the current number of police personnel is insufficient to effectively combat the complex challenges posed by organized criminal groups operating in the region. The proposal underscores the perceived escalation of criminal activity and the need for a more robust security apparatus to protect citizens and maintain order.

In addition to the call for more police officers, the governorate also highlighted critical resource shortages within the existing police force. Furthermore, authorities are advocating for a sustained and permanent military presence along the department's border areas. This measure is seen as crucial for controlling illicit cross-border activities, including smuggling and the movement of criminal elements, which often fuel organized crime within Santa Cruz.

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currently there are about 5,000 effective officers in the department and proposed to triple that amount.