Ecuador assigns up to 200 police officers to courts under new security pact

On 9 July 2026 the Council of the Judiciary and the Ministry of the Interior signed a three‑year inter‑institutional agreement to place up to 200 National Police officers in judicial complexes, base units and the National Court of Justice across Ecuador. The deployment will be progressive and focused on locations judged to have the highest risk, based on technical risk assessments and operational availability.

The pact aims to protect judges, prosecutors, court staff and the public amid a rise in attacks on the justice system – 43 incidents have been recorded since 2020, including murders of judges and prosecutors and a recent explosive device threat at the Quito North Judicial Complex on 24 June. Judiciary president Mercedes Caicedo highlighted the need for technical protection, while Interior minister John Reimberg stressed that security and justice must move together. Semi‑annual evaluations will monitor impact and allow adjustments to the number of officers assigned.