Colombia’s police chief announces that the institution will scrutinize police officers to ensure that they have no links to Colombian criminal groups, newspaper El Espectador reported Thursday.
The police force is especially concerned that their officers could have ties to gangs referred to as “Bacrim,” typically descendants of the paramilitaries formally disbanded by the government who continue to carry arms and engage in criminal behavior for political ends.
“We have put into motion a program of institutional integrity that begins with tests of reliability and trustworthiness, lie detector tests, rigorous controls, visits to personal residences, and detailed examination of their goods,” said police General Oscar Naranjo.
The police commander also said that in the last month 14 police officers have been arrested for their ties to criminal gangs.
“We are paying special attention in Antioquia and Bajo de Cauca…this matter isn’t only limited to investigations, but also actions. We have prosecuted a good number of police officers who have collaborated with the bacrim to avoid the control of authorities,” Naranjo emphasized.