Andina

Peru's President: 'In 2025, we will not stop until we have significantly reduced crime'

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

11:00 | Lima, Jan. 6.

President Dina Boluarte on Monday stated that in 2025 the government will not stop until it has considerably and significantly reduced crime and ensured the safety of Peruvians.

"2025 is the year of economic recovery and consolidation, of a clear crime rates reduction and an improvement in citizen security. I reiterate, if we dealt decisive blows to crime in 2024, in 2025 we will not stop until we have considerably and significantly reduced this scourge," Mrs. Boluarte expressed.

During the inauguration of the laboratories from the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) of the Peruvian National Police (PNP), she said that, just as 2024 was focused on recovering the economy, this year will be dedicated to providing security to Peruvians "morning, afternoon, and night; every day of the year."

"In 2025, our commitment to Peruvians leads us to further intensify actions against criminals until we see it on its knees and behind bars, as it should be. Any criminal who threatens the safety of a citizen, after a proper trial, should be in jail," she noted.

2024 Results

The top official said the government has a solid and unwavering commitment to the security of all Peruvians. She added that, alongside the PNP and the frontal policy against crime, decisive blows were dealt against criminality last year.

According to Mrs. Boluarte, the police arrested more than 362,000 criminals and dismantled over 13 criminal gangs in 2024, in a clear demonstration of their vocation to serve the community, which has the right to live in a peaceful environment.

"Every day we see the police acting on the streets; we know there is much do. That is why we are focused on providing the logistics the police need to be more efficient and achieve results in the shortest time possible," she said.

Integrated Laboratory

President Boluarte underscored that the Integrated Ballistic Identification System laboratories combine, for the first time, the identification of weapons used in crimes and the registration of new weapons into a single system, a milestone in the history of police modernization.

This will allow for the issuance of weapons registration certificates more efficiently, improving their control and traceability. In the short term, it will also be possible to register the firearms of all active police personnel.

"With the IBIS System, the police will respond swiftly to requests from the Prosecutor's Office, strengthening the fight against organized crime and the illegal use of weapons, ensuring that criminals go to jail and are not released," she said.

The Head of State reiterated that her administration is committed to citizen security and the modernization of the police force to combat crime.

Mrs. Boluarte stated that she recognizes and appreciates the dedicated work for the safety of all Peruvians and urged the police to continue into 2025, keeping the name of the institution and the uniform that the people entrusted to them high.

"Let us remain firm, let us not give crime any respite; the country needs to be safe in order to generate more confidence among investors, national and international businesspeople, and the tourists who visit us, because through this economic activity, we can raise more funds and continue modernizing the police," she said.

The upgrading entailed an investment of S/21 million (about US$5.59 million).

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Published: 1/6/2025