In an initiative to strengthen law enforcement and bolster public security, the Ecuadorian police today welcomed 8,500 new officers to their ranks.
The move is part of an institutional enhancement plan initiated by the government two years ago, as announced by President Guillermo Lasso.
Lasso presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 1,904 police officers at the Alberto Spencer stadium in Guayaquil (southwest).
These officers form a portion of the 8,500 new recruits incorporated into the police force through simultaneous ceremonies held in various provinces across the Andean nation today.
“Today, more than 8,000 young individuals join the force of officers and operational technicians. Their mission is to firmly, decisively, and lawfully prevent crime and violence,” said Lasso during his speech.
The freshly added officers will enhance security measures in Quito, the capital, and in coastal provinces, which are currently grappling with violence associated with drug trafficking.
Lasso acknowledged the efforts of the police at a time when the nation is confronting a surge in violent crime, often linked to drug trafficking gangs.
“We take pride in their work, particularly amidst these challenging times that not only Ecuador, but all of Latin America, is facing due to the expansion of transnational organized crime, with drug trafficking being their primary trade,” he stated.
“When we began our government tenure in May 2021, we had 51,000 police officers. By June 2023, just two years later, we have 60,000, and by November, Ecuador will be served by 65,000 police officers,” Lasso detailed.
Moreover, he disclosed that the Police would initiate a new recruitment drive tomorrow, Saturday, targeting another 5,000 young applicants to increase law enforcement personnel further.
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