Less Corruption At Tránsito, Subdirector Says
The Policiá de Tránsito (Traffic Police) say that corruption is down, this is evidenced by the number of complaints registered each year, which in 2005 the internal affairs unit investigated only 566 cases, down from 700 in 2004.

Huanelge Gutiérez, subdirector of Tránsito, says that the numbers are still high, but it is an improvement from the past.

Currently there are less than 1.000 Tránsito officials in the whole country and according to Gutiérez there is a lot of room for improvement, especially in the areas of abuse of authority, discriminatory attitudes of his officials and incompetence.

The Departamento de Inspección Policial del Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (internal affiars department) has, in the past, found situation like Tránsito officials with taxi license plates or working as "porteadores" - unlicensed taxis - which the department has been fighting to stop the practice for some time.

Corruption (accepting bribes) is still a major issue for Tránsito as some officials still continue the practice, in some cases, with impunity, demanding payoffs from drivers. Foreigners are usually targeted for "davidas" when stopped for traffic violations.

The custom of paying off a Tránsito is hard to let go. Many Costa Ricans are ready to hand over a small compensation for the official to look the other way. Gutiérez says that is becoming less and less now, partly due to his departments tough line on the practice and part due to Costa Rican changing customs.

Complaints against Tránsito officials can be made directly to the Departamento de Inspección by calling 523 2016. The department guarantees that a decision on the complaint will be handed down within six months.

The debate continues over the move to change the investigative procedures from the hands of the Organismo de Investigación Policial, a police body, replaced by a specialized Tránsito group of investigators, which has made for some head butting between the two bodies.

Cases have been reported where Tránsito officials have confiscated plates of cars of OIJ officials as payback for investigating them. Gutiérez was careful to talk about the subject, only to say that "it would be a lie to say there is no conflict between the two."

Gutiérez added that some people are upset that Tránsito officials are now getting tough on many items, especially drinking and driving. During the past week, some 32 vehicles were confiscated during the Palmares Festival and the owners must pay a fine of ¢26.000 colones and go through the time consuming process of getting their vehicle back.