Colombia: Cali mayor requests additional police personnel

Event

The mayor of Cali (Valle del Cauca department), Maurice Armitage, has requested additional police personnel from the National Police to support ongoing security operations in the city. Armitage asked the director of the National Police on Tuesday, March 6, for the deployment of 500 officers to assist in reducing homicide rates and violence. According to the mayor, Cali police have been able to reduce the number murders by approximately 14 percent in 2018 and will be able to further reduce violence with more officers.

Context

Crime continues to be a major problem in Colombia due largely to illicit activities carried out by paramilitary crime organizations and local gangs. These groups are involved in a variety of illegal activities, including drug-trafficking, smuggling, illegal mining, extortion, and assassinations. However, according to official statistics, murders, kidnappings, and extortion attempts all declined in 2017. Robberies and other street crimes continue to be major concerns for police nationwide.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia should remain vigilant at all times due to high crime rates, particularly in major cities (maintain a low profile, be particularly vigilant at night, be aware that criminals may be armed, etc.), and report suspicious behavior to relevant authorities. Do not attempt to resist would-be attackers or thieves; report attacks or robberies to the police.