In an article in Costa Rica largest and most influential newspaper La Nación today 17th September 2015 entitled Police earn less than security guards at public institutions (Policías ganan menos que guardas de instituciones públicas) we see the up to date salaries of police officers in Costa Rica.

Here’s the key paragraph:

Luego de 10 años de labor, la remuneración de un oficial de esa universidad puede superar los ¢636.000, mientras que uno del Ministerio de Seguridad, en el mismo lapso, alcanza los ¢514.000…

Which means:

After 10 years of work, the remuneration of a university security officer can exceed ¢636,000 (US$1,207*), while a police officer working for the Ministry of Security, after the same period, would amount to ¢514,000 (US$975*)…

After ten years on the job, a Police Officer in Costa Rica is earning just under US$12,000 per year.

To put these numbers into perspective, the Annual Mean Wage of ‘Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers‘ in May 2014 in the following states in U.S. is:

• While a Police Officer in Costa Rica earns US$12,000 per year, in New Jersey he would earn US$88,530 per year.
• While a Police Officer in Costa Rica earns US$12,000 per year, in California he would earn US$87,520 per year.
• While a Police Officer in Costa Rica earns US$12,000 per year, in Alaska he would earn US$75,670 per year.
• While a Police Officer in Costa Rica earns US$12,000 per year, in Washington he would earn US$72,740 per year.
• While a Police Officer in Costa Rica earns US$12,000 per year, in New York he would earn US$72,310 per year.

All salary information for Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers taken from the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. (You can see more detailed information in the charts at the bottom of this page.)

In The Riddle of the Gun article New York Times bestselling author Sam Harris states that: “Suffice it to say, if a person enters your home for the purpose of harming you, you cannot reasonably expect the police to arrive in time to stop him. This is not the fault of the police–it is a problem of physics.”

I personally would not put my family’s safety in the hands of any government employee in any country who is paid a salary – of whatever amount – to “protect and serve” because history has proven time and time again that they do not protect and, they serve others, they certainly do not serve the public at large – you and I.

So the question has to be: If you were a Costa Rican Police Officer, would you put your life on the line for a stranger for a salary of US$975 per month?

If your answer is no! Then I would encourage you to make sure that *you* take full responsibility for the safety and security of you, your family and your property wherever you may live in this world.

* According to Banco Nacional de Costa Rica the current exchange rate (Colones:USDollar) today is ¢527:US$1

Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1: How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa, 2: Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore and 3. ¿Cómo Comprar Bienes Raíces en Costa Rica, Sin Perder Su Camisa?

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.