View source for Police & Security

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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; letter-spacing:2px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45); margin-bottom:12px;">[[Main Page|EcuaWiki]] › [[Portal:The Peninsula|The Peninsula]] › [[Living & Practical (La Peninsula)|Living & Practical]] › Security</div>

<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:2.6em; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:2px; line-height:1; margin-bottom:8px;">Police & Security</div>

<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:0.9em; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.65); max-width:560px; line-height:1.6; margin-bottom:24px;">The security situation on the Santa Elena Peninsula — what has changed, where it matters most, and how to get around safely.</div>

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<div style="font-size:2em; font-weight:bold; color:#b0bec5; line-height:1;">911</div>
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<div style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px; letter-spacing:1.5px; text-transform:uppercase; color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4); margin-top:2px;">Caution in tourist areas</div>
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'''Context:''' The Santa Elena Peninsula has seen a significant rise in violent crime since approximately 2020, linked to narco-trafficking and organized criminal groups operating along Ecuador's coast. This reflects a national trend. Tourist areas in Salinas continue to function, but nighttime use of public spaces has declined and the situation in Anconcito and parts of La Libertad is serious. This page aims to give an honest picture, not to alarm or to minimize.
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     CURRENT SITUATION
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== Current Security Situation ==

=== Salinas ===

The main tourist areas (malecón, Chipipe, San Lorenzo) remain active and generally safe during daylight hours and early evening. Nighttime use of outdoor public spaces — particularly away from lit commercial areas — has decreased noticeably among residents. The area around Entrada 5 and the Puerto Aguaje circuit had 51 murders in 2023, making it the highest-risk circuit in Salinas.

'''Practical:''' Exercise normal urban caution. Avoid displaying expensive phones, cameras, or jewellery. After dark, take taxis rather than walking long distances.

=== La Libertad ===

La Libertad has significant commercial and port activity which generates both risk and deterrence. The central market and terminal areas are busy and generally manageable with normal caution. More isolated streets and the outer urban edges carry higher risk, especially at night.

=== Anconcito ===

Anconcito is identified in official data as the hardest-hit parish on the peninsula. 29 murders were recorded there in 2023 alone. The PDOT 2023–2027 identifies it as a primary driver of emigration from the canton. Visitors have limited reason to be in Anconcito; those who are should exercise heightened caution and avoid being there after dark.

=== Santa Elena Canton (rural areas) ===

The city of Santa Elena itself is quieter and lower-risk than the Salinas or La Libertad urban areas. Rural areas of the canton — Chanduy, Colonche, Loma Alta — are generally low-risk in terms of violent crime, though isolated.

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     POLICE CONTACTS
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== Police Contacts ==

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! Unit !! Contact !! Notes
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| '''All emergencies''' || '''911''' || Unified ECU-911 system; police, ambulance, fire
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| Policía Nacional — Salinas || 911 / local substation || Canton-level command
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| Policía Nacional — La Libertad || 911 / local substation || Largest local force on the peninsula
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| Policía Nacional — Santa Elena || 911 / local substation || Provincial capital
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| UPC (Unidad de Policía Comunitaria) || Local substations || Neighbourhood-level community police posts; varies by area
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See [[Emergency Contacts]] for the full emergency directory including fire, coast guard, and medical.

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     PRACTICAL SAFETY TIPS
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== Practical Safety Tips ==

=== General ===
* Report anything stolen to police and request a denuncia (official complaint document) — required for insurance claims and for rescheduling official appointments
* Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
* Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and electronics
* Trust your instincts — if a situation or location feels wrong, leave

=== On the Street ===
* Keep phones out of sight in less-populated areas; phone-snatching is the most common theft type
* Don't use your phone while walking, especially near roads
* Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave cards and extra cash at your accommodation when possible
* Avoid deserted streets and beaches after dark — even in Salinas

=== Transport ===
* Use reliable taxis rather than walking long distances at night; see [[Taxis and Taxi Apps]]
* Do not accept rides from strangers or unsolicited taxi offers around the tourist areas
* At the bus terminal in La Libertad, keep bags close and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas

=== Beaches ===
* Don't leave valuables unattended on the beach — even while swimming a short distance
* Avoid isolated beach areas at dusk and after dark
* Mar Bravo and Punta Carnero are relatively isolated; go in groups

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     SCAMS
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== Common Scams & Issues ==

* '''Fake taxis:''' Unofficial taxis may overcharge significantly; agree the price before getting in. See [[Taxis and Taxi Apps]].
* '''Currency scams:''' Ecuador uses USD; there are no local currency exchanges to fake. Be wary of counterfeit USD bills (rare but possible).
* '''Overcharging at tourist spots:''' Not criminal but common — confirm prices upfront at souvenir stalls and informal restaurants.
* '''Distraction theft:''' Someone creates a distraction while an accomplice takes your belongings. Common at busy public transport nodes.

== Drug Trafficking Context ==

The provincial PDOT and national crime statistics identify ''Los Choneros'' and affiliated criminal groups as operating in the Salinas canton. The narcotrafficking routes along the coast have driven much of the increase in violence. This affects fishing communities most directly; it is not generally a risk to tourists in the normal sense, but it is the backdrop to the broader security deterioration.

== Reporting a Crime ==

# Call 911 or go to the nearest police station
# Request a '''denuncia''' (formal complaint document) — you will need this for insurance claims
# For serious incidents involving foreigners, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Quito or Guayaquil
# The Fiscalía (Attorney General's office) handles serious crimes

[[Category:Living & Practical]]
[[Category:La Peninsula]]
[[Category:Peninsula]]
[[Category:Santa Elena Province]]
[[Category:For Residents]]
[[Category:For Visitors]]
[[Category:Salinas]]
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