Colombia appoints retired generals Alejandro Barrera and Norberto Mujica to lead National Police

President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced on 4 August 2026 that retired General Alejandro Barrera Peña will be reinstated as director of the National Police and retired General Norberto Mujica Jaime will serve as sub‑director. Both officers left active service in 2022 and will be formally reintegrated into the reserve when the new administration takes office on 7 August.

The appointments are part of a broader security strategy that includes decentralising police command. The sub‑directorate of the National Police will have a permanent headquarters in Barranquilla, which the mayor, Alejandro Char, said will strengthen security for the city and the country. Barrera brings extensive intelligence experience, having led the Police Intelligence Directorate and international liaison roles, while Mujica also has a background in intelligence and operational command.

These changes replace the outgoing director William Rincón and sub‑director Arnulfo Rosemberg, and aim to reinforce coordination between the national government and local authorities as Colombia confronts rising urban crime.