# Guatemala National Civil Police security and training

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-national-civil-police-security-and-training
> Updated: 2026-08-15T18:14:33.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Guatemala’s National Civil Police (PNC) has faced significant challenges due to rising violence and officer fatalities. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported that 20 officers have died in 2026, including one officer killed in an ambush in Amatitlán. Following a surge in violence, including a single Saturday that saw 24 homicides, PNC Director David Custodio Boteo indicated that the force would adjust its security strategy and intensify operations against criminal structures.

In response to these security pressures, the PNC has focused on improving officer safety through upgraded equipment and stations. Additionally, the force has moved to expand its personnel, launching a 10-month basic training course for its 59th class. This new cohort includes 2,559 aspirants, with officials emphasizing the inclusion of Maya, Xinka, and Garífuna members to reflect the country’s cultural diversity.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Guatemala's National Civil Police begins training for 59th class

Guatemala's National Civil Police has begun a 10-month training program for its 59th class of 2,559 new police aspirants.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemalas-national-civil-police-begins-training-for-59th-class

### 2026-07-27: Guatemala police mourn 20 fallen officers as security strategy shifts

Guatemala’s police report 20 officer deaths in 2026 and a 24‑homicide surge, prompting a revised security strategy and equipment upgrades.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-police-report-20-officer-deaths-amid-surge-in-violent-crime

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Cite as: Guatemala National Civil Police security and training. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-national-civil-police-security-and-training