Former Police Chief: Military Support for Critical Infrastructure is a Necessity
Ricardo Yáñez, former director general of Carabineros, stated that the approval of the Rules for the Use of Force (RUF) is "absolutely basic" to enable military support for Carabineros in specific public security matters. He argued that this is necessary due to a "detriment" in the operational capacity and offerings of the police forces. Yáñez emphasized that the discussion of whether to deploy the armed forces to protect critical infrastructure is no longer relevant, asserting it is a "real necessity." He also advocated for amendments to the Municipal Security Law to enhance the powers of municipal inspectors. The former general director expressed these views during a streaming program hosted by La Tercera. His remarks highlight concerns about the current state of public security and the need for expanded resources and inter-agency cooperation.
The former director general's call for military involvement in domestic security, particularly concerning critical infrastructure, reflects a growing global trend driven by perceived deficits in civilian law enforcement capacity. This perspective suggests a strategic shift, moving from a debate over feasibility to an acknowledgment of necessity, likely influenced by evolving threat landscapes and resource constraints within police agencies. The proposed integration of military support, contingent on updated Rules for the Use of Force, raises questions about the long-term implications for civil-military relations and the potential for mission creep. It also underscores the systemic challenges in maintaining public safety and critical infrastructure resilience, prompting consideration of alternative governance models and resource allocation strategies for national security in the coming decade.
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