The United States government, via its embassy, ​​donated $692,000 to the Ministry of Public Security to improve security tactics and equipment for police officers and agents of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

According to the embassy, $192,000 of the grant was used to provide police officers with vehicles, motorcycles, tactical equipment, and safety training. The remaining half-million dollars were spent on renovating the shooting range facilities used by officers for weapon handling training.

The U.S. Embassy's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) budget provided funding for the donation, authorities added.

The security training focused on high-risk transportation methods for inmate transfers. This workshop was attended by ten Penitentiary Police officers, three Professional Immigration Police officers, and twelve members of the OIJ.

Among the methods studied were knowing what to do in the event of an ambush and movements to lower the vehicle's driver, among others.

"These trainings encourage the exchange of expertise and establish relationships vital for creating efficient police partnerships during operational and tactical actions," said INL director Robert Alter.

In addition, the U.S. embassy donated vehicles for OIJ agents, including a Toyota Hilux, four Yamaha motorbikes, and tactical equipment (vests and ballistic plates).

Furthermore, the embassy sponsored the renovation of the training shooting range facilities for OIJ officers. These improvements allow for safe training with high-caliber guns and include alarm systems and a new lighting system that permits shooting training at night.

This donation is one of numerous contributions made by the United States to Costa Rica. Recently, the U.S. embassy donated a $440,000 police station facility in Puerto Viejo Beach, Limón Province.

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