(Picture for illustrative purposes. CRH)
Recent examples of criminals posing as uniformed police officers include the robbery of a group of musicians at a false traffic stop in Escazú on Toll Route 27, and the journalist who had her laptop computer stolen on election day.
The Fuerza Publica is reminding the public to take a good look at police uniforms. In particular be wary of dark clothing, and expect real uniforms to be blue. The national flag should appear on the right shoulder and the logo of the Fuerza Publica on the left. On the left breast should appear the words Fuerza Publica, and on the right the name of the officer.
Body armor in use by the Fuerza Publica should have yellow florescent bars and include the word Policia in front. Officers involved in operations on the highway are required to use body armor.
According to Juan José Andrade, director of the Fuerza Publica the public is encouraged to not stop at police checkpoints that seem dodgy and to immediately call 911.