Peru Interior Minister reveals 53,000 police officer deficit

During a session in the Chamber of Deputies, Peru's Interior Minister César Astudillo revealed a significant shortage of 53,000 police officers required to meet national demand. Astudillo reported that the National Police of Peru currently has 138,000 personnel, but noted that approximately 5,000 are assigned to administrative duties rather than active patrolling.

The Minister also highlighted critical infrastructure gaps, stating that only 1,346 police stations operate across 1,879 districts. He noted that border security is understaffed, with only 100 surveillance posts active out of 141 required, and mentioned that several facilities are in a state of ruin.

The hearing, intended to address rising rates of extortion, contract killings, and homicide, was marked by tension. Deputy Jesús Pérez Alccahuamán criticized the government's handling of insecurity, citing a 77.5% increase in murders—the highest level recorded across the last nine presidential administrations. Pérez noted that over 250 homicides occurred between late July and early September, with significant increases in regions such as Piura, Ica, La Libertad, Callao, and Lima.