This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 SAN SALVADOR 000063 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/DSS/OSAC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC KSAC
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OSAC CRIME/SAFETY REPORT - EL SALVADOR 
 
REF: 02 STATE 2615 
 
¶1.  The following is El Salvador's OSAC report for CY-2005. 
 
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Overall Crime and Safety Situation:  A General Overview of the Crime and Safety Threats Facing Americans in El Salvador. 
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El Salvador is one of the most violent countries in the world.  There is an average of ten murders and three car jackings reported daily to the police.  The Civilian National Police (PNC) reported a slight decrease in overall crime (less than 1 percent, and with significant increases in homicides and extortion) for 2005, however, crime is still much higher than U.S. rates.  The Regional Security Officer (RSO) notes significant differences in crime rates published by police and those published by the prosecutor's office, which are considerably higher.  The differences can be explained by crimes being reported more than once to the prosecutor's office and their classification of accidents such as vehicular deaths and drowning as homicides. 
 
Violent crime remains a critical concern and directly affects the U.S. community (Post is aware of at least a half dozen U.S. citizen homicide victims during the last fourteen months).  Crimes of all types occur throughout the country 24 hours a day; daylight is not a deterrence.  With the exception of ransom kidnapping (which is way down), homicides, violent gang activity, sexual assault, armed car jacking, and residential burglary occur routinely. Recreational; activities such as exploring the countryside, going to the beach or even taking a walk in residential areas must be undertaken with extreme care. 
 
U.S. enterprises and citizens are not specifically targeted by criminals, neither are they exempt from the threat.  The majority of American Business persons are able to conduct their activity without any security related incidents by following basic security precautions. 
 
In 2001 and 2002 economically motivated kidnapping for ransom had been a serious concern. However, according to official police statistics, this number dropped to only eight reported incidents in 2003 and 2004 and nine in 05.  This is an encouraging sign as it is indicative of the PNC's ability to combat crime when resources and training are available. 
 
This represents a significant decrease from the numbers reported during 2002, 114 and 2001, 115 respectively. 
 
Still, security experts and professional hostage negotiators estimate that as few as 1 in 10 kidnappings are reported to police due to fear of reprisals from kidnappers or for fear that the victim will be killed if authorities are notified. This is changing as PNC personnel have been contacted for both hostage and ransom negotiation assistance.  In early December of 05, the family of the latest kidnap victim (the ninth) contacted police early on which helped in the release of the victim, recovery of the ransom paid and the capture of the suspects.  There were no U.S. citizens kidnapped in El Salvador in 2003 or 2004, but one U.S. citizen (a three year old) was kidnapped and later released in 2005. 
 
Homicide remains one of the country's leading crime problems with an average of ten murders daily.  El Salvador has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world -- 59 per 100,000 in 2005,  (By comparison the murder rate in New York City was 7 per 100,000).  The National Civilian Police reported that 75 percent of all homicides in 2005 were committed with firearms. The PNC estimates that between 55 and 65 percent of all murders are gang related. 
 
Professional criminal gangs specialize in armed robberies and burglaries, hijacking of freight trucks, buses and private vehicles, extortion and other organized crimes.  Many of the gangs are comprised of unemployed ex-combatants or former military or police who were combat trained and don't hesitate to use deadly force when perpetrating crimes for financial gain.  Additionally, youth gang violence against rival gangs members, perceived members, girlfriends, innocent relatives and merchants and bus drivers has contributed to an increase in the murder rate over last year. 
 
A country of 6 million people, El Salvador has 309 known street gangs totaling 16,000 members (estimates vary on actual numbers from as few as 10,000 to as many as 40,000). Violent-prone, well-armed, U.S. style street gang growth continues in El Salvador, with Los Angeles "18th Street" and "Mara Salvatrucha" gangs being the largest in the country.  Gangs concentrate on extortion, narcotic and arms trafficking, murder for hire, car jacking, and violent street crime.  Gangs and other criminal elements roam freely, day and night, targeting affluent areas for burglaries and incidental violence if resistance is offered. The PNC's "Plan Mano Dura" (Strong Hand Plan) and Super Mano Dura (Super Strong Hand Plan) which began in July 2003 targeted and attempted to disrupt criminal gang activity and intimidation of Salvadorans.  Although some crime dropped during these plans, homicides, robberies, and extortion increased significantly enough to reach or exceed record levels.  Many suspected homicides suspects are frequently arrested, but are often released due to technical reasons or lack of evidence or living witnesses. 
 
Rape is a serious problem in El Salvador.  There were 910 rapes reported to the National Police in 2005.  Local police and judicial experts estimate that only 10 percent of rapes are reported to authorities. Incidents of rape have increased slightly each year since 2000.  Many experts believe that it is being reported more now vice an increase in this crime. 
 
While the police have made significant improvements in reducing kidnapping and bank robbery rates, homicides, extortion and armed robberies increased in 2005.  Many of these incidents are committed by sophisticated criminal gangs armed with automatic weapons. 
 
Home invasions continue to be a concern in El Salvador. However, there has been very little media attention and no significant increase in these rates.  Police check points along the airport road and other areas may have contributed to a reduction in follow-home home invasions from the international airport.  The trend appears to have slowed in 2005. 
 
Due to lax customs enforcement and porous borders, weapons are readily available and easily obtained by criminals, gangs and just about anyone else who wishes to obtain a firearm. The number of illegal weapons in the streets is estimated at 400,000 --  to  include AK47 and M16 assault rifles, various automatic handguns, grenades, etc. -- in addition to the nearly 200,000 registered firearms.  The number of weapons caches, with non-decommissioned weapons, that survived the war is unknown.  Crimes committed by criminals armed with automatic weapons are considered routine. 
 
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The Threat from Political Violence (Terrorism) or Civil Unrest 
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There are no known indigenous or international terrorist group that operate within El Salvador. Since the end of the civil war in 1992, the group once violently opposed to El Salvador's ruling government and the U.S. Government's policies in El Salvador have demobilized and joined the political process as peaceful actors. 
 
The threat from transnational terrorism, or transnational narco-terrorism cannot be ruled out, however.  The Government of El Salvador has publicly stated strong support of the U.S. Government's War on Terrorism and in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks in the U.S. have worked hard to tighten both border and airport security.  It appears that these actions, if sustained, have and could continue to reduce organized crime, like drug smuggling, extortion and freight theft over the long term.  As an aside, the Government of El Salvador is the only nation in the hemisphere with troops in Iraq supporting the coalition. Close to 400 Salvadoran troops have been in Iraq (on six month rotations) since July of 2003. 
 
Public demonstrations against the Government of El Salvador, generally by government employees and social organizations, are not uncommon.  Most demonstrations are concentrated in and around city centers or public buildings and other public areas.  Although often non-violent, they have created public security problems at times.  The Cathedral takeover in 2004 and again in late 2005 and violent demonstrations in this vicinity and near foreign banks earlier this year are just two examples of the potential for violence. 
 
The most recent protests are related to Public Health Care concerns, the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), and wages.  Most of these protests are staged near public buildings, hospitals and downtown areas and have been peaceful.  However, on a few occasions there have been violent confrontations between the police and demonstrators.  Additionally, there have been demonstrations and road blockades staged along key routes, such as the road leading to the international airport that were designed to disrupt travel into and out of the city. 
 
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Other Security and Safety Concerns in El Salvador 
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A contributing factor to crime in well to do neighborhoods is the unimpeded development of squatter slums in the midst of some of the best neighborhoods in the capital. Relative to other parts of the city, these affluent neighborhoods are generally well protected by local standards but, not surprisingly, they are also popular targets for criminals. These affluent neighborhoods are within walking distance (approximately one mile or less) of areas in which bands of criminals freely operate, and where street and residential crime frequently results in violence to residents who fail to take necessary precautions. 
 
Public transportation is exceptionally risky, for both security and safety reasons.  Passengers on public busses are frequently robbed or pickpocketed, both enroute and at roadblocks/stops (or items of value are stolen from them). Also, gang shootings of bus drivers and bus fee takers either for not paying extortion fees or because they may belong to a rival gang is becoming a daily occurrence here.  Poorly maintained roads and vehicles are a danger to travelers. There is virtually no street lighting on minor roads in urban areas.  Great numbers of vehicles in El Salvador are not up to U.S. road worthiness standards.  Mini-bus, taxi drivers, and over loaded trucks do not adhere to traffic rules or regulations and cause many accidents.  Because of a near complete lack of enforcement of traffic laws, drivers must make an extraordinary effort to drive defensively. Particularly in areas where passing on blind corners is common. 
 
U.S. Citizens using banking services should be vigilant and cautious while conducting their financial transactions either inside local banks or at automated teller machines.  Reports of armed robberies of people who appear to have been followed from the bank after completing their transactions are a recurring problem.  Skimming (theft of credit card financial information) appears to be on the rise with several documented incidents reported in 2005. 
 
Visitors to El Salvador should use caution when climbing volcanoes or hiking in remote areas.  Armed robberies of climbers and hikers are common.  El Salvador is located in an area with significant seismic activity.  An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale devastated much of El Salvador in January 2001.  A second earthquake in February 2001 measured 6.6 on the Richter scale and caused significant additional damage and loss of life.  A 6.02 late last year did not cause any significant damage or injuries.  The Santa Ana Volcano (28 miles north, norhwest from San Salvador) erupted last Summer and continues to be active.  Hurricane Stan caused significant flood damage to much of the country.  Both of these events caused a number of fatalities. 
 
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A General Assessment of the Police in El Salvador and a Listing of Emergency Telephone Numbers 
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The National Civilian Police (PNC) was created in 1992 as part of the Peace Accords following the civil war.  To bolster broad-based support for the organization, the recruiting effort focused on quickly hiring new officers to meet hiring quotas: 20 percent of the PNC would be former rightist combatants or public security officials, 20 percent would be former Leftist combatants, and the remaining 60 percent would be drawn from the civilian population with no former military or police experience.  The PNC recently advised RSO that these percentages are now about 18% former military, 14% former leftist combatants and the remainder drawn from the general population. 
 
The PNC is still in the developmental stages of becoming a modern and effective police operation that can protect the public.  The PNC's investigative units have shown great promise and in many cases, helped lower crime.  Plans "Mano Dura" (Strong Hand Plan) initiated in July 2003 and "Super Mano Dura" (Super Strong Hand Plan) initiated in 2004 have had an impact on the criminal youth gang members ability to carry a firearm or a weapon outside their marginal neighborhoods for fear of being arrested.  However, with a few exceptions, equipment shortages (particularly vehicles, fuel, and radios) severely limit PNC ability to deter, respond, and investigate crimes effectively.  An ineffective judiciary seems to empower criminals which has severely exacerbated the violent crime rate. 
 
On January 1, 2006, a new National Civilian Police Director was named and he was sworn in on January 4, 2006.  Many here are hoping that he will be able to bring down the overall violent crime, but without changing the culture of violence, the ineffective judiciary, a weak economy, and a dearth of police resources needed to fight crime, little will probably change in the levels of violent crime. 
 
U.S. citizen residents or travelers detained by the police should insist on speaking to the Embassy.  Arrested or otherwise detained foreigners are generally treated well by the police.  Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy.  Travelers should be aware, however, that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are not being mistreated and providing them with a list of attorneys.  The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for U.S. citizens. Local law allows for the police to detain someone for up to seventy-two hours for administrative processing. 
 
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Telephone Numbers 
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Public Safety Emergencies in El Salvador, dial "911" 
 
For reporting suspicious activities in El Salvador dial "122" 
 
¶A. National Civilian Police Contact Information 
 
-Metropolitan Investigation Division (503) 2254-8600 
-Public Security Division (503) 2222-1304, 2254-7700 
 
¶B. Fire Department Contact Information 
 
- Fire Department Headquarters (503) 2271-2227 
 
¶C. U.S. Private Security Companies Which Provide Uniformed Guard, Executive Protection, and/or Investigative Services 
 
-Wackenhut of El Salvador (503) 2500-6285 
-Spirit of Central America (503) 2243-1275 
-OMNI (503) 2271-4786 
-Rivaprosa S.A. de C.V. (503) 2243-4287, 2243-2083 
 
 
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Medical Services in El Salvador and A Listing of Emergency Numbers 
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Medical care is limited.  Emergency services, even in the capital city, are very basic.  Although many physicians in San Salvador are U.S.- trained their staff and equipment are generally not up to U.S. standards.  For more information see the Consular Information Sheet. 
 
Medical Emergency Contact Information 
-Diagnostic Hospital (503) 2226-5111, 2264-4422 
-Women's Hospital (503) 2263-5111 
 
-Red Cross Ambulance (503) 2288-1826 
-Green Cross - (503) 2242-5735 
-Air Ambulance (305) 535-7380 (World Access Transport 
Services, Mount Sinai Hospital, Miami Beach Florida) 
 
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Recommended Security Precautions for U.S. Visitors to El Salvador
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¶1.  Always remain alert to your surroundings.  Research recent crime trends prior to planning your trip. 
 
¶2.  Avoid travel into the downtown area unless absolutely necessary. 
 
¶3.  Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home.  If confronted by an armed assailant and he/she demands your property - comply. 
 
¶4.  Leave valuables and important documents in a secure location at your office or in a hotel safe deposit box. 
 
¶5.  Avoid public transportation, including the local busses. There are almost daily reports of robberies involving inter-city buses and to a lessor extent on international busses.  This has been a frequent problem along the Guatemalan border. Use only taxis you can call via telephone or that you find at reputable hotels. 
 
¶6.  Always drive with your vehicle doors locked and windows up. 
 
¶7.  Try to park in a  secure area whenever possible.  At stores, restaurants and other locations with uniformed guards, try to park near the guard post or the business' entrance. 
 
¶8.  Be alert to your surroundings when entering or leaving a parking area, including private residences. 

¶9.  Check your vehicle before entry.  Ensure no one is hidden inside. 
 
¶10.  Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, anything left visible in your vehicle may appear inviting to petty criminals. 
 
¶11.  Do not drive outside the capital after dark, for both personal security and traffic safety reasons. 
 
¶12.  When traveling to rural areas, try to travel with a large group and more than one vehicle whenever possible. 
 
¶13.  Avoid unpaved roads.  These are indicators of areas where police presence may be minimal. 
 
¶14.  Use caution when traveling or spending the night in an isolated or rural area.  Telephone communication may be non-existent or erratic.  In an emergency situation in a rural area, you may not be able to summon assistance - including the police. 
 
¶15.  Schedule trips on the highway between San Salvador the 
Comalapa International Airport during daylight hours. The highway is dangerous, especially at night. 
 
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Contact Numbers for Further Information 
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U.S. Embassy, San Salvador, El Salvador 
 
- 24 hour number: (503) 501-22253 
- Regional Security Office:  extension 2262 
- Consular Section, American Citizens Services Unit: extension 2628 
 
American Chamber of Commerce in El Salvador 
 
- Phone (503) 2263-9494 
- Fax (503) 2263-9393 
 
The American Chamber of Commerce sponsors an active local OSAC Country Council that meets on a ad hoc basis.  The OSAC Country Council frequently holds seminars and briefings on local criminal trends.  Contact the American Chamber of Commerce for further information on the OSAC Country Council. 
 
Travelers may also review OSAC security information posted on the Embassy's website, www.usinfo.org.sv. 
Barclay