Colombia registered 14,715 homicides between January 1 and December 6, according to national police statistics.
At least 683 of the victims were minors, while 11,721 were killed by firearms.
Police seized 44,545 firearms throughout the year, of which 27,931 were illegal. 17,789 poeple were arrested for carrying or manufacturing illegal firearms.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe announced a plan last Friday to recruit youth to the police force by offering them educational and employment opportunities when they complete their period of service. With increased police numbers the Colombian head of state hopes to lower crime rates.