Chile pushes new security law expanding military and police powers

Chile's Congress and government are advancing several legislative proposals that would broaden the authority of the armed forces and police. Bills under discussion would allow the military to conduct identity checks and detain individuals during states of exception, extend a privileged self‑defense regime, and create a new fifth state of exception that permits targeted telecom interception in areas affected by organized crime or terrorism. The proposal, presented by Public Security Minister Martín Arrau, emphasizes limited geographic application and congressional oversight.

In parallel, Law No. 21.659 reforms the private security sector, shifting it to a risk‑management model with stronger state supervision and higher professional standards. The University of Chile helped draft the new framework and will offer a postgraduate diploma to train specialists. Political parties such as the UDI have promoted a pro‑police agenda, and several deputies have publicly supported the reforms.