Costa Rica boosting police presence after tourist murders
Costa Rica plans to beef up law enforcement numbers at major tourist destinations after the murder of two tourists last week.
A heavier police presence will be implemented at a cost of about $1 million a year, said vice minister of Security Eduardo Solano.
"We’re going to increase Fuerza Pública personnel in delegations with high tourist presence," he said.
"We’re going to conduct a scientific analysis in our most visited areas and those with the most crime to see where it’s most pertinent to increase personnel."
It comes after the murder of two women in just two days after a Spanish tourist died in Tortuguero, which was quickly followed by the murder of a Mexican tourist in Santa Teresa the next day.
In both cases suspects have been arrested.
"We need to stop being afraid to talk to tourists about safety," said minister of tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo.
Revelo said a dedicated app is being developed for visiting tourists and business owners with updated content on security and personal safety best practices, which will be rolled out in December.
Costa Rica has 284 officers in the tourism police force which are trained to assist foreign visitors and based across 18 locations nationwide.
The country welcomed nearly three million tourists last year.
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