In response to a significant surge in violence, Costa Rica is considering adopting a tough approach to combat crime, inspired by neighboring El Salvador's draconian measures. The Costa Rican President, Rodrigo Chaves, has introduced new legislation aimed at reducing the alarming 40% increase in the homicide rate experienced in the past year alone. Calling El Salvador a "reference" point, Chaves aims to address the security concerns faced by his country.

The proposed measures by President Chaves include tougher jail sentences for minors, enabling extraditions, and expanding the use of preventive detention to make it easier to hold suspects even with limited evidence. In November, as he unveiled his National Security Plan, Chaves stated, "Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures." This shift represents a departure from Costa Rica's traditionally gentler approach to crime prevention.

Costa Rica is joining a growing number of Latin American countries in emulating El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who implemented a sweeping crackdown in the face of drug cartel activity. While Bukele's suspension of constitutional rights, including the indefinite detention of suspected gang members without access to legal representation, has been criticized by human rights campaigners, it has proven effective in reducing crime and gained popularity domestically.

Although Chaves has expressed that he does not want to become a carbon copy of Bukele, there is recognition of the successful efforts to dismantle organized crime in El Salvador. David Segura, a lawmaker from the opposition conservative New Republic party, recently praised Bukele's work and suggested replicating it in Costa Rica.

The situation in Costa Rica is dire, witnessing a sharp increase in homicides driven by gang warfare among cocaine traffickers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with growing social discontent and unemployment fueling gang recruitment. Additionally, political friction with neighboring Nicaragua and Honduras has hindered regional security cooperation, resulting in a decline in cocaine seizures within Costa Rica.

One contributing factor to the rise in crime is Costa Rica's relatively lenient approach to handling suspects, often opting for precautions instead of arrests. Jorge Torres, Chaves' security chief, emphasized the disparity in treatment between minor offenders and dangerous criminals with the chilling question, "How can a strong 17-year-old boy who killed a citizen with an AK-47 be treated like an 8-year-old boy who stole some candy?"

Chaves faces challenges in passing his proposed "mano dura" (firm hand) bill through Congress. Critics from the opposition argue that it is anti-Costa Rican and authoritarian, stressing the importance of individual rights in a democracy. Chaves, who currently holds only nine seats in Congress, requires the backing of at least 29 out of 57 lawmakers to enact most of his proposals, but has previously garnered support from other conservative factions.

Costa Rica's historical focus on progressive welfare policies and its abolition of the army over 70 years ago have contributed to a perception of relative safety compared to its Central American neighbors. However, some members of Congress believe that Chaves' plan does not go far enough. Opposition conservative lawmaker Lesley Bojorges has even voiced support for implementing harsh El Salvador-style prisons, while judicial chief Randall Zuñiga advocates for more frequent detentions.

As crime continues to be a pressing concern, political scientist Sergio Araya predicts that tougher approaches to security will gather momentum among Costa Ricans in the coming months and years. Ultimately, the government's response to the crime surge will shape the country's trajectory and its ability to restore peace and security to its once-tranquil streets.