Minute30.com .- Santiago de Cali breathes a new air of security. In an impressive police ceremony that symbolizes the commitment to recover tranquility in the streets, Mayor Alejandro Eder Garcés presided over the reception of 400 new patrol cars. These uniformed men do not arrive in passing; His assignment is permanent, news that the people of Cali were eagerly awaiting to strengthen surveillance in the communes and townships of the capital of the Valley.
With this new cohort of men and women, the Cali Metropolitan Police reaches a historic strength of 6,800 troops. This reinforcement comes at a crucial moment, just when the city is preparing to experience its most important events and seeks to consolidate the trend of reducing high-impact crimes.
The Mayor’s call: More than men, skills are needed
Despite the optimism for the new personnel, President Alejandro Eder was emphatic that modern security requires technology. During his speech, the mayor thanked the National Police Directorate, but sent a clear message to the National Government about the need for reciprocity.
“Today we demand that the effort from the national level be reciprocal. I appreciate the arrival of these police officers, but we need technical capabilities to arrive, such as anti-drone systems. These are vital to protect both citizens and our police officers in the midst of their daily work,” said Eder.
The mayor recalled that his administration has gone from words to actions, allocating for two consecutive years the highest budget in the history of Cali for security. This investment has translated into tangible realities: 300 new motorcycles, 60 armored and patrol vehicles, and the recovery of police stations that were in a state of abandonment. For Eder, the route is clear: “The only way to have peace in the country is to work hand in hand with the Public Force.”
Surveillance by micro-territories: General Urrego’s plan
The deployment of these 400 uniformed personnel has a scientific strategy behind it. Brigadier General Edwin Urrego, commander of the Cali Metropolitan Police, explained that personnel will not be dispersed randomly. The focus will be the intervention of micro-territories, those critical points where organized crime and common crime have tried to gain ground.
In addition to patrolling the streets, these young police officers will enter a continuous training process to integrate into the institution’s specialties. “We want to provide Cali and its metropolitan area with agents committed to the mission of ensuring security, coexistence and, above all, absolute respect for people’s rights,” said General Urrego.
Total shielding for the Cali Fair and the end of the year
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Cali City
The arrival of the 400 permanent ones is only the first part of the shock plan for this end of the year. The Secretary of Security and Justice, Jairo García, provided additional details that give peace of mind to those who plan to enjoy the holiday season.
García confirmed that, in addition to the permanent reinforcement, Cali will receive additional support in the coming days from 800 temporary police officers destined exclusively to guard the Cali Fair. This deployment guarantees that massive events, commerce and tourist areas have unprecedented surveillance, allowing the “Heaven Branch” to shine for its joy and not for violent incidents.
A city commitment
Strengthening the force is a vital step, but the message from the local administration is that security is a social contract. The investment in motorcycles, patrols and the improvement of stations seeks to dignify police work so that, in turn, the response to citizens is faster and more effective.
For the average citizen, seeing these 400 new patrol officers in their neighborhoods means the possibility of walking with less fear, for the neighborhood park to once again belong to the children, and for local businesses to prosper without the shadow of extortion.
Cali is thus preparing for a closure of 2025 with a strengthened police force, a mayor’s office that does not skimp on resources and a citizenry that hopes to see these efforts converted into lasting peace.
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