Chile Accelerates Maximum Security Prison Construction Amid Crime Concerns

President Gabriel Boric announced the expedited construction of a new maximum security prison in Santiago to combat organized crime. The $95.4 million initiative aims to bolster Chile’s prison infrastructure and enhance public safety.

Chile is taking significant steps to address the rising tide of organized crime, particularly in the Santiago metropolitan area. President Gabriel Boric’s announcement of the fast-tracked construction of a new maximum-security prison, designed to house around 500 inmates, underscores the government’s urgent response to the situation. This move is part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s capacity for handling high-risk criminals and preventing organized crime from taking control of prison facilities.

The new prison, estimated to cost $95.4 million (90 billion Chilean pesos), aims to increase the total number of maximum security spots by 600, with an additional 200 spots added to existing prisons in northern Chile. This region has experienced heightened levels of organized crime. “In Chile, we’re not going to allow what’s happened in other countries where organized crime has taken over jails with no state control,” Boric stated in a press conference following a security cabinet meeting. He emphasized a “sense of urgency” in addressing these issues and promised to send a bill to Congress to expedite the construction process.

The Impact of Recent Violence

The announcement of the new prison comes in the wake of two mass shootings in Santiago that left nine people dead, including four teenagers. These incidents have not only heightened public anxiety but also underscored the gravity of the situation. Suspects have been detained for both shootings, but the events have fueled calls for more robust measures against crime.

Crime has been a persistent theme for Boric’s administration, dominating much of his agenda since taking office. In response to the rising crime rates, last year, Boric announced a $1.5 billion spending boost to enhance law enforcement capabilities after three police officers were killed. Additionally, private spending on security has surged as citizens seek to protect themselves amid growing concerns.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha noted that while Chile is not adopting the ‘mega-prison’ strategy seen in El Salvador, which involves building large, centralized prisons to house a significant portion of the country’s criminal population, the goal is to achieve prison standards akin to those in Europe, focusing on security and rehabilitation.

Rising Crime and Public Perception

A growing perception of insecurity has increased public support for ‘mano dura’ (iron fist) policies and a tougher stance on migration. These policies, which involve strict law enforcement and harsh penalties, have been credited with reducing certain types of crime. According to the National Urban Citizen Security Survey (ENUSC) published last month, 90.6% of people believed that crime had increased in 2022. This sentiment was particularly strong in the regions of Arica, Parinacota, and Tarapacá, which report high rates of common crimes such as robberies, injuries, and homicides linked to organized crime.

Although the overall rate of common crimes in Chile saw a slight increase in 2022 compared to 2021, it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, the country recorded its highest-ever homicide rate in 2022, with a 46% increase from 2021, reaching 6.7 killings per 100,000 inhabitants. The rates were even higher in specific regions, such as Arica, Parinacota, and Tarapacá, at 17.1 and 13.4 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Santiago’s metropolitan area also saw a concerning rise, with a murder rate of 10.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office estimates that 57% of homicides in Chile are linked to organized crime. This percentage is even higher in certain regions, such as Arica and Parinacota (82%), the eastern sector of Santiago’s metropolitan area (71%), and Tarapacá (70%).

Government Priorities and Public Opinion

Since early 2022, the majority of Chileans have consistently prioritized the fight against crime and drug trafficking. A Cadem public opinion survey conducted at the end of March 2023 revealed that 71% of respondents believed President Gabriel Boric’s government should focus primarily on these issues. However, there is also a significant portion of the population that feels the government’s response to crime has been inadequate, as revealed by a survey published by the Center for Public Studies (CEP) on November 20.

In response to public concern, Boric’s administration has not only acknowledged but also committed to substantial security and law enforcement investments. The new maximum-security prison is a critical component of this strategy, aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to detain high-risk criminals securely and preventing organized crime from gaining influence within the prison system. This commitment should reassure the public of the government’s dedication to their safety.

Chile’s decision to accelerate the construction of a new maximum-security prison reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the growing threats posed by organized crime. By expanding prison capacity and enhancing security measures, the administration aims to ensure that Chile remains a safe and orderly society.

Also read: Emerging Violence in Chile’s Araucania Signals Deeper Crisis

As the country navigates these challenges, the government must balance enforcement with rehabilitation, drawing on successful models worldwide. Continued investment in security and comprehensive social and economic policies will be essential in tackling the root causes of crime and ensuring long-term public safety.