Crime in Chile is on the rise, with a recent shocking event highlighting an unprecedented security crisis in the country. The charred bodies of three police officers were found in an ambush, sparking debates on security measures in the Chilean Parliament. Proposals include new rules on the use of force by police and the creation of a Ministry of Security separate from the Ministry of the Interior. Some politicians are even suggesting reinstating the death penalty for those convicted of killing police officers or members of the Armed Forces.
According to public security specialist Jorge Araya Moyra, violence in Chile is increasing due to the presence of drug and weapons trafficking, as well as a surge in illegal immigrants from countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti. The homicide rate in Chile has risen from 2.6 to 4.5 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2019 and 2023, below the WHO threshold for an epidemic of violence but still cause for concern.
The security crisis in Chile has had an impact on the popularity of President Gabriel Boric, with public security being identified as a major concern. Initially critical of the police, the president has had to shift his stance and implement stricter measures to address the rise in crime. Analysts are watching closely to see if these changes will be effective in preventing Chile from following the path of other violence-stricken South American countries like Ecuador.