Guatemala: Joint army-police patrols end March 31 /update 1

Event

The Guatemalan army ended military patrols with the National Civil Police (PNC) on Saturday, March 31, after 18 years of cooperation. The PNC will receive 8000 extra personnel and additional vehicles to compensate for the reduction in resources. President Jimmy Morales previously cautioned that military forces would, nonetheless, remain prepared to address security issues as needed.

Context

Significant security concerns affect the country, notably high homicide rates and the booming drug trade. According to government statistics, crime rates have fallen by 13 percent over the past two years since President Jimmy Morales assumed office. Nevertheless, rates of violent crime and extortion remain high, leading to two deaths per day on average.

While Guatemalans are the main victims of crime, foreign residents and tourists can also be targeted by thieves, who may not hesitate to resort to violent means. Foreigners are also sometimes drugged before being robbed; it is thus imperative to pay close attention to drinks when in bars and cafés and to not accept food, drink, or cigarettes from a stranger. Guatemala City, the capital, is particularly affected, as are areas along the Mexican border. Furthermore, kidnapping - including "express" kidnapping - is an issue in both Guatemala City and rural areas of the country, although foreigners are rarely targeted. Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse snatching) occurs in all major cities and tourist sites.

Advice

Individuals present in Guatemala are advised to remain vigilant, only keep small amounts of cash on hand, conceal signs of wealth as much as possible, only use ATMs located within banks (and be vigilant when leaving banks), and never hail taxis off the street. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.