Guatemala to deploy 3,000 new police agents to high-crime areas

Guatemala's Ministry of the Interior (Mingob) has released footage showing the tactical training of new National Civil Police (PNC) agents. The training exercises involve simulated entries into hideouts to capture suspects, designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the students.

Approximately 3,000 new agents are scheduled to join the PNC on September 9. According to PNC Director General David Boteo, the new recruits will be deployed to high-crime areas, specifically targeting sectors affected by gang activity and drug trafficking. Key deployment zones include Guatemala City's Zone 18 and Comisaría 15, which covers Villa Nueva, Villa Canales, Amatitlán, and Bárcenas. Additional reinforcements will be sent to Escuintla, Petén, Chimaltenango, El Progreso, Chiquimula, and Santa Rosa.