Booking Armed Security Guards In Bolivia: A Guide

Bolivia's capital, La Paz, has over 550 private security guards working for 39 security firms. These firms provide protection to individuals and businesses, serving primarily as a surveillance outfit to report threats to the police force. While these security firms are legally registered, there are some that operate without proper authorization. The government has prohibited the carrying and use of arms by private guards. However, there are risks that the lack of oversight could lead to increased lawlessness, especially with the presence of unauthorized security firms.

If you are looking to book armed security guards in Bolivia, it is important to ensure that you are hiring from a legitimate and authorized security firm. One such company is Titan Security Global, which offers security guards and services across Bolivia in major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra, La Paz, Sucre, and Cochabamba. They provide full-service security solutions, including certified and licensed security guards, modern security technology, and physical security measures like barriers, fences, and gates.

Security companies in Bolivia

There are a number of security companies operating in Bolivia, providing services to both individuals and businesses. Here is an overview of some of the notable ones:

Titan Security Global

With over 30 years of experience in the security industry, Titan Security Global offers security guards and services across major Bolivian cities such as Santa Cruz de la Sierra, La Paz, Sucre, and Cochabamba. They provide a full range of security solutions, including risk assessment, security guard deployment, and day-to-day security operations. Titan Global is known for its certified and licensed security guards, modern security technology, and flexible services tailored to clients' needs.

Global Guardian

Global Guardian is a security and emergency response provider that operates in Bolivia's largest cities and popular tourist destinations, including La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Tarija, and Potosi. They offer a range of services, including personal security, vehicles, and aircraft support. Global Guardian's security services are carefully selected, vetted, and tailored to each client's specific requirements and operating environments.

Local Bolivian Companies

There are also several local private security companies registered in Bolivia, such as those listed on the website "deseguridadprivada.com." These companies offer services like home security, alarms, and CCTV. However, the specific details about these companies and the nature of their services are not readily available on the website.

The role of the Bolivian police

The Bolivian National Police Corps is a centralised force, organised on a territorial basis. It is responsible for internal security and maintaining law and order. The police force is accountable to the national government, and the Constitution stipulates that the President of the Republic is the commander-in-chief of the police forces.

The police force has a long history, dating back to 1826 when the first Bolivian police force was organised by the Marshal of Ayacucho, Antonio José de Sucre. However, the National Police was not established officially until 1886, and it became institutionalised on a national level in 1937 with the creation of the National Corps of Carabineers.

The police force consists of several components, including the General Administration, the paramilitary National Guard, the Directorate of National Investigations, the Customs Police, the Traffic Police, the National Highway Service, the Fire Corps, and the National Police Academy.

The National Police Academy offers a four-year course for officers, covering various relevant topics such as criminal law, penal and civil investigation, criminology, ballistics, narcotics, and human and public relations.

In addition to their law enforcement duties, the Bolivian police also play a role in maintaining the country's external and internal defence, alongside the Bolivian Armed Forces. The police force is part of the reserves of the Armed Forces, which also include the Bolivian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

The police work closely with the military, often calling upon them for assistance in quelling riots and civil protests. During an international conflict, the police forces would be subordinate to the military commander-in-chief and the Ministry of National Defence, integrating their activities with those of the army.

The police force is an essential component of Bolivia's security infrastructure, working to uphold the rule of law, protect society, and guarantee the enforcement of the country's laws.

Safety in La Paz and El Alto

La Paz and El Alto are two of the largest urban areas in Bolivia, and as such, they are hotspots for criminal activity. The risk of robbery is higher in these areas, and criminals often operate in registered or fake taxis, taking advantage of their victims' carelessness to transport them to remote areas beyond police control and assault them. Foreigners and locals alike are liable to be targeted, but foreigners may be specifically targeted due to perceptions of wealth. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to relatively impoverished urban areas and sites not commonly frequented by foreigners, including El Alto.

The cities of La Paz and El Alto feature irregular streets unevenly distributed over hills and heights, making it easy for foreigners to get lost or suffer from altitude sickness. Most neighbourhoods, especially in El Alto, are relatively impoverished. Foreigners can be targeted by criminals due to perceptions of affluence, so it is necessary to stay alert at all times and exercise caution while travelling through the cities. If possible, avoid non-essential travel to El Alto for purposes other than reaching or departing from the International Airport (LPB).

In La Paz, the areas recommended for lodging, travel, and conducting business and transactions are limited to the city centre, especially Tembladerani, Sopocachi, and San Jorge. San Jorge is considered one of the safest and most convenient areas to stay in La Paz, as it serves as the financial district and houses foreign embassies. The trip from San Jorge to the airport should take between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

To ensure safety in La Paz and El Alto, it is advisable to hire reputable private transportation services in advance and avoid using public transportation. Taxis vetted by the main hotels may also be used, preferably booked in advance. It is important to avoid stopping regular taxis on the street, as some taxi drivers might try to take advantage of foreigners by taking longer routes to inflate the fare, especially in La Paz.

Additionally, there is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, and Bolivia is no exception. While there is no recent history of terrorism in the country, terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. Protests, marches, and demonstrations can occur with little prior notice, and it is recommended to move away from these areas and stay in a safe place. It is crucial to stay alert, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Safety in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, commonly known as Santa Cruz, is the largest city in Bolivia and the most dangerous in the country. It is the capital of the Santa Cruz department and is located on the Pirai River in the eastern Tropical Lowlands of Bolivia. The city has a population of around 2.4 million people and is a major business hub, attracting over 40% of all foreign direct investment in the country.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra has a "Medium" threat rating for crime. While violent crimes are statistically low, they do occur, and the city is considered unsafe for lone tourists. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Santa Cruz de la Sierra:

• Avoid taking unplanned taxi rides, especially at night or after drinking alcohol. Instead, use established companies and order taxis by phone.
• Be wary of purse snatchers and pickpockets, especially near markets, tourist areas, and crowded places. Keep your valuables secure and consider carrying your bag or purse diagonally across your chest.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially near bus terminals or dark places.
• Be cautious when meeting people at bus terminals, as criminals may pose as travellers and try to convince you to get into a taxi with them.
• Avoid protests, marches, and demonstrations, as they can occur with little notice and sometimes turn violent.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and let someone you trust know your whereabouts.
• Keep your belongings secure and do not leave them unattended, especially in taxis and on night buses.
• Do not resist armed criminals. Give them your money and leave.
• If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper's instructions and call the Tourist Police on 800-14-0081 (toll-free) if you suspect you are being targeted by impostors.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Take standard safety precautions against insects and animals, and be cautious when consuming food and water to avoid illness.
• Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations before travelling to the region.
• Be cautious when using cameras and binoculars in remote areas, especially in coca-growing regions such as the Chapare and the Yungas.
• Avoid illegal bars and prisons, as these are unsafe and can lead to detention and questioning by the police.
• Be aware of the local laws and cultural differences to avoid any legal issues.

Transport options in Bolivia

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, with a varied landscape that includes soaring mountains, upland plateaus, and lowland jungles. The country's road network is mostly unpaved, and its main roads are often in poor condition. However, travelling through Bolivia's stunning landscapes is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting the country.

Bus

The most common way to get around Bolivia is by bus. Buses, or "flotas", are run by private companies and cover all the main routes in the country. They are extremely good value, but breakdowns are frequent due to poor road conditions. Sleeper buses, or "bus-camas", are a more comfortable option, with extra legroom and reclining seats. Micros, or minibuses, are another option for short trips within towns and cities.

Train

Bolivia is one of the few countries in Latin America with an extensive rail network. Trains are a good option for those looking to avoid bus travel, and they are also very affordable. However, the train network only covers a small fraction of the country.

Plane

Air travel is a good option for those looking to save time and avoid long overland journeys. The main hubs are Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz and El Alto International Airport in La Paz. Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is the flag carrier airline of Bolivia, with the widest network of flights across the country. Amaszonas is another option, often the only one for northern destinations in the Amazon Basin.

Car

Due to the poor condition of many roads, few international visitors choose to drive in Bolivia. However, a car can be useful for quick trips in and around larger cities like Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, or Sucre. It is common to rent motorbikes or moto-taxis for day trips in lowland cities.

Taxi

Taxis are available in most larger cities and are relatively inexpensive. In addition to regular taxis, there are also radio-taxis, which can be called by phone and tend to be slightly more expensive. One of the easiest ways for tourists to use taxis is through a taxi app like Uber, though this is currently only available in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Boat

Although Bolivia is landlocked, there are several regions, such as Lake Titicaca and the Amazon, where water is the main means of transportation. Boat trips on Lake Titicaca often use very basic boats, and the same is true of boats used for river excursions in jungle areas.

Frequently asked questions