  Over the next three years, the U.S. will invest an additional $3 million in more infrastructure improvements at the National Police Academy, to make it a national and regional center of excellence. - Ministry of Security photo - |
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 Published Monday, December 14, 2020 U.S.
donates $1 million-plus for
Police Academy improvements By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The United States Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, INL, has donated more than one million dollars for upgrades and improvements to the National Police Academy. This donation increases the investment that the National Police Academy also makes as part of the investment agreement between the Ministry of Public Security and the U.S.Embassy, the ministry said in its statement. "The work we do together is vital to ensuring the safety of this beautiful country," Sharon Day, the U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica said. "Today, more than ever, we need to consolidate the limited resources we have and focus on standard training and the operability of the police, to confront transnational criminal activities and provide effective citizen security. The essential matter is that we work together.” According to the ministry, the donation allowed police forces to receive better training with modern facilities at the Murciélago Police Training Center, located in Cuajiniquil District, Guanacaste Province. The remodeling was carried out in the dormitory module for 88 female officers and the construction of an 18-meter high rappel tower. Also, a wastewater treatment and purification plant was installed to minimize waste, save and reuse water, among other benefits, the ministry said in its statement. This donation is one more made by the U.S. for improvements in the Murcielago station. According to the ministry, international donations valued at around $4.5 million have allowed a series of improvements such as: • Restoration of three firing ranges. • Construction of a wastewater treatment plant. • Remodeling of the men's dormitory module. • Installation of a reverse osmosis system for water purification. • Renovation of three classrooms. • Purchase of specialized training equipment. "This investment between countries improves the conditions of the police officers who are trained in Murciélago since the intention is that they have the best facilities and equipment in their training process to serve the country," Michael Soto, Minister of Security said. "Also, with the rappelling tower, the training and specialization of the police from the different police forces of the country will be increased." According to Soto, the collaboration of the U.S. government with the police forces helps to strengthen the security of Costa Rica and the region. The ministry announced that over the next three years, the U.S. will invest an additional $3 million in more infrastructure improvements at the National Police Academy, to make it a national and regional center of excellence. "These investments are part of a comprehensive commitment by the U.S. to contribute to the security of Costa Rica and Central America," the ministry said in its statement. According to the ministry, the projects to be developed are: • National K-9 school and training center. • Olympic pool. • Three classrooms for virtual classes. • A tactical medicine room and training area. • Virtual area for weapons training with real-world scenarios. • Course for small units. • Defensive tactics zone. • Weapon qualification polygon. • Vehicle maintenance area. "The United States is with Costa Rica, together to confront the security challenges that our two countries face," Ambassador Day said. This is the second donation that INL announces this month. Last week, a mobile quarantine center, valued at $12,000, was donated for covid-19 patients who cannot fulfill a quarantine in their homes in the Los Santos zone. The Los Santos zone, also known as the Valley of the Saints is a region located in the south of San Jose. It corresponds to a wide sector of a series of mountains and valleys in the cantons of San Marcos, San Gerardo, Santa María, San Lorezo, San Pablo among others. Aware of the importance of this service (potable water) for public health, INL donated a water tank, folding cots, mattresses, and personal protective equipment for this mobile quarantine center, the embassy said in its statement. The video of the Murciélago Tower inauguration can be seen on the ministry's Facebook page. -------------------- Are you for or against increasing donations from the United States government during the pandemic? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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