In recent years, Chile has faced an unprecedented security crisis, with the charred bodies of three police officers found in an ambush sparking widespread debates on security measures. This event has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of citizens, leading to discussions on various proposals to address the issue.
Some politicians have suggested new rules on the use of force by police, while others have proposed creating a Ministry of Security separate from the Ministry of the Interior. The death penalty has even been brought up as a possibility for those convicted of killing police officers or members of the Armed Forces.
The rise in crime in Chile can be attributed to several factors, including drug and weapons trafficking, as well as an increase in illegal immigration from countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti. Public security specialist Jorge Araya Moyra believes that violence is on the rise due to these factors, resulting in a homicide rate that has risen from 2.6 to 4.5 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2019 and 2023.
Despite this increase in violence being below the WHO threshold for an epidemic of violence, it is still cause for concern among many citizens. President Gabriel Boric has had to shift his stance on public security and implement stricter measures to address the issue after initially being critical of the police. Analysts are closely watching to see if these changes will be effective in preventing Chile from following the path of other violence-stricken South American countries like Ecuador.
In conclusion, crime rates are rising rapidly in Chile due to various factors such as drug trafficking and illegal immigration. While some politicians are calling for drastic measures such as reinstating capital punishment for murderers, others are proposing more moderate solutions such as reforming policing practices or creating a separate ministry dedicated solely to public safety. As concerns about safety grow among citizens and politicians alike, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will be successful in reducing crime rates and improving overall security in Chile.
