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Study Guide: The Colombian National Police: History and Structure

Cheat Sheet:
The Colombian National Police: History and Structure Study Guide

Founding and Early Development (1888-1915)

The National Police of Colombia was formally established by Law 90 of 1888.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Law 90 of 1888 initiated the planning for a police force, the formal establishment occurred via decree 1000 on November 5, 1891.

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A French commissioner named Jean Marie Marcelin Gilibert was responsible for organizing and training the National Police in the early 20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jean Marie Marcelin Gilibert, a French commissioner, was indeed tasked with the organization and training of the nascent National Police force.

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The Presidential Palace Honor Guard Corps was created in 1902 under the name 'Guardia Civil de la Ciudad de Bogotá'.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1902, the National Police established the Presidential Palace Honor Guard Corps, which was named 'Guardia Civil de la Ciudad de Bogotá'.

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Law 14 of 1915 divided the National Police into two groups: one for security and one for judicial functions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Law 14 of 1915 divided the National Police into three groups: security and vigilante functions, civil gendarmerie for postal services and prison control, and judicial police.

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The Civil Guard (Colombia), created in 1902, is still an active component of the National Police.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard (Colombia), established in 1902, is a historic entity that has since been abolished and is not an active component of the National Police.

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Which law initially planned for the creation of the National Police as a gendarmerie for Bogotá?

Answer: Law 90 of 1888

Explanation: Law 90 of 1888 was the legislative act that initially planned for the establishment of the National Police, intended to function as a gendarmerie for the city of Bogotá.

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Who was hired to organize and train the initial National Police force?

Answer: A French commissioner named Jean Marie Marcelin Gilibert

Explanation: The organization and training of the nascent National Police force were entrusted to Jean Marie Marcelin Gilibert, a commissioner from France.

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Institutional Evolution and Reorganization (1900s-1950s)

During the Thousand Days' War, the National Police was temporarily reassigned to the Ministry of the Interior.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Thousand Days' War (1899-1902), the National Police was temporarily reassigned to the Ministry of War, not the Ministry of the Interior.

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President Rafael Reyes transferred the National Police to the Ministry of War in 1904 via decree 743.

Answer: True

Explanation: Decree 743, issued in 1904 under President Rafael Reyes, effectuated the transfer of the National Police to the Ministry of War.

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The National Gendarmerie Corps, a more militarized institution, was active from 1906 until 1909.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Gendarmerie Corps, characterized by its militarized structure, operated between 1906 and 1909.

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The Colombian National Police received training based on the doctrine of the French National Gendarmerie in 1916.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1916, the training received by the Colombian National Police was based on the doctrine of the Spanish Guardia Civil, not the French National Gendarmerie, particularly in the field of criminology.

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Dactylography (fingerprinting) replaced the anthropometric system for police identification training after agreements with Argentina in 1929.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following training agreements with Argentina in 1929, dactylography (fingerprinting) was adopted for police identification training, superseding the earlier anthropometric system.

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The assassination of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán led to the restructuring of the National Police with British assistance in 1948.

Answer: True

Explanation: The civil unrest following the assassination of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán in 1948 prompted a restructuring of the National Police, which received guidance from a British mission.

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Gustavo Rojas Pinilla assigned the National Police to the Ministry of the Interior after his 1953 coup.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following his 1953 coup, Gustavo Rojas Pinilla reorganized the military structure and assigned the National Police to the Ministry of War, elevating it as a fourth military power.

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During which conflict was the National Police temporarily under the Ministry of War?

Answer: The Thousand Days' War (1899-1902)

Explanation: During the period of the Thousand Days' War (1899-1902), the National Police was temporarily placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War.

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What doctrine heavily influenced the Colombian National Police's training in criminology in 1916?

Answer: The Spanish Guardia Civil doctrine

Explanation: The training provided in 1916, specifically concerning criminology, was heavily influenced by the doctrine of the Spanish Guardia Civil.

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Modern Challenges and Reforms (1950s-Present)

The phrase 'plata o plomo' referred to a choice between accepting bribes or facing violence for police officers during the Pablo Escobar era.

Answer: True

Explanation: The phrase 'plata o plomo' symbolized the difficult choice police officers faced during the Pablo Escobar era: either accept illicit payments or confront violent repercussions.

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Systemic corruption within the police force was primarily caused by low salaries during the Pablo Escobar era.

Answer: False

Explanation: Systemic corruption during the Pablo Escobar era was primarily fueled by the vast wealth and influence of drug cartels, rather than solely by low salaries.

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General Rosso Jose Serrano led efforts to combat police corruption and restore community trust in the late 1990s.

Answer: True

Explanation: General Rosso Jose Serrano spearheaded initiatives in the late 1990s aimed at combating corruption and rebuilding public confidence in the National Police.

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Mandatory body cameras for officers are part of recent reforms aimed at improving police transparency.

Answer: True

Explanation: Recent reforms designed to enhance police transparency and accountability include the mandatory implementation of body cameras for officers.

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How did the influence of drug cartels like the Medellín Cartel affect the National Police during the Pablo Escobar era?

Answer: It caused widespread corruption, with officers accepting bribes or facilitating cartel operations.

Explanation: The immense wealth and influence of cartels such as the Medellín Cartel led to pervasive corruption within the National Police, compelling officers to accept bribes or actively facilitate cartel operations, thereby undermining law enforcement efforts.

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Who was the leader credited with driving improvements and addressing corruption in the National Police in the late 1990s?

Answer: Rosso Jose Serrano

Explanation: General Rosso Jose Serrano is credited with spearheading significant improvements and initiatives to combat corruption within the National Police during the late 1990s.

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What does the phrase 'plata o plomo' symbolize in the context of the source?

Answer: A choice between accepting a bribe or facing violence.

Explanation: In the context of the source, the phrase 'plata o plomo' symbolizes the stark choice faced by police officers during the Pablo Escobar era: either accept a bribe ('plata') or face lethal violence ('plomo').

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Organizational Structure and Administration

The National Police of Colombia operates under the Ministry of Defense.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Police of Colombia functions under the control of the Colombian Ministry of Defense.

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The highest rank achievable in the Officer Corps of the Colombian National Police is Lieutenant Colonel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The highest rank attainable within the Officer Corps of the Colombian National Police is General.

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The Executive branch of the National Police is solely responsible for daily operational duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the executive branch comprises officers who may oversee operations, daily operational duties are typically managed under the professional leadership of a chief officer, and the branch's responsibilities can extend beyond strictly professional police work.

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The Enlisted branch of the National Police executes operations under the command of officers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Enlisted branch of the National Police is structured to execute operational tasks and functions under the direct command and supervision of police officers.

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The National Police is organized into 5 Metropolitan Police units and 34 Police Departments.

Answer: True

Explanation: The organizational structure includes 5 Metropolitan Police units and 34 Police Departments, as stated in the source material.

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The President of the Republic appoints the General who heads the National Police.

Answer: True

Explanation: The highest-ranking officer, the General heading the National Police, is appointed directly by the President of the Republic.

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The Directorate for Citizens Security (DISEC) is an administrative directorate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Directorate for Citizens Security (DISEC) is classified as an operational directorate, distinct from administrative directorates.

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The National Police of Colombia has 10 Police Regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Police of Colombia comprises 8 Police Regions, not 10.

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Which of the following is an operational directorate within the National Police?

Answer: Directorate for Citizens Security (DISEC)

Explanation: The Directorate for Citizens Security (DISEC) is classified as an operational directorate within the National Police structure.

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The National Police is organized into how many Regional Police units?

Answer: 8

Explanation: The National Police of Colombia is structured into 8 Police Regions.

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Training and Education

The General Santander National Police Academy began operations in 1937.

Answer: False

Explanation: The General Santander National Police Academy was created in 1937 but commenced its operational activities in 1940.

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The General Santander National Police Academy is located in Sibaté, Cundinamarca.

Answer: False

Explanation: The General Santander National Police Academy is located in Bogotá; the National Police NCO School is situated in Sibaté, Cundinamarca.

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The National Carabinier School trains personnel for the mounted and rural branch of the police.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Carabinier School is dedicated to training personnel for the mounted and rural branch of the police, known as the Colombian Carabiniers.

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Where is the National Police NCO School located?

Answer: Sibaté, Cundinamarca

Explanation: The National Police NCO School 'Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada' is situated in Sibaté, within the Cundinamarca Department.

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Which school is responsible for training the mounted and rural branch of the National Police?

Answer: National Carabinier School 'Alfonso Lopez Pumarejo'

Explanation: The National Carabinier School 'Alfonso Lopez Pumarejo' is responsible for training the Colombian Carabiniers, which constitute the mounted and rural branch of the National Police.

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What is the primary function of the General Santander National Police Academy?

Answer: Serving as the main educational center for officer formation.

Explanation: The General Santander National Police Academy functions as the principal educational institution for the formation and training of police officers.

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Operational Units and Equipment

Auxiliary Police conscripts serve for a period of twelve months.

Answer: False

Explanation: Auxiliary Police conscripts are mandated to serve for eighteen months, distinguishing them from Auxiliary Police Bachelors who serve for twelve months.

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Auxiliary Police conscripts are equipped with side-handle batons (Tonfa) and may use firearms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Auxiliary Police conscripts are equipped with side-handle batons (Tonfa) and are authorized to use small arms and sometimes long-range weapons in the performance of their duties.

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The GAULA units specialize in combating kidnapping and extortion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The GAULA (Grupos de Acción Unificada por la Libertad Personal) units are specifically dedicated to combating kidnapping and extortion activities.

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The Servicio Aéreo de Policía (SAPOL) operates fewer helicopters than fixed-wing aircraft.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Servicio Aéreo de Policía (SAPOL) operates 65 helicopters, which is more than the 39 fixed-wing aircraft it operates.

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The Fiscal and Customs Police directorate focuses on combating kidnapping and extortion.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Fiscal and Customs Police directorate is responsible for fiscal and customs security functions, not for combating kidnapping and extortion, which is the mandate of a different directorate.

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What is the main purpose of the GAULA units?

Answer: To combat kidnapping and extortion.

Explanation: The primary mandate of the GAULA (Grupos de Acción Unificada por la Libertad Personal) units is to combat kidnapping and extortion, including conducting hostage rescue operations.

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What types of weapons are listed among the submachine guns used by the Colombian National Police?

Answer: Uzi, HK MP5, and TDI Vector

Explanation: Among the submachine guns utilized by the Colombian National Police are the Uzi, HK MP5, and TDI Vector, alongside others such as the Walther MP and Micro Tavor.

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How many fixed-wing aircraft are operated by the Servicio Aéreo de Policía (SAPOL)?

Answer: 39

Explanation: The Servicio Aéreo de Policía (SAPOL) operates a fleet that includes 39 fixed-wing aircraft.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a handgun used by the Colombian National Police?

Answer: IMI Galil

Explanation: The IMI Galil is listed as a rifle used by the Colombian National Police, not as a handgun.

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What is the purpose of the Directorate for Anti-kidnapping and Anti Extortion?

Answer: To combat kidnapping and extortion activities.

Explanation: The Directorate for Anti-kidnapping and Anti Extortion is specifically mandated to combat these criminal activities.

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Which of the following is listed as a rifle used by the Colombian National Police?

Answer: M16A2

Explanation: The M16A2 is listed among the rifles utilized by the Colombian National Police.

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What is the duration of service for an Auxiliary Police Bachelor?

Answer: Twelve months, performing community activities like traffic regulation.

Explanation: An Auxiliary Police Bachelor serves for a period of twelve months, undertaking community activities such as traffic regulation and is not authorized to carry firearms.

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