Santa Ana resident records officer asking for bribe on cell phone

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October 23^rd, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) – As a driver made an illegal turn on the road that connects San Antonio de Belen with Santa Ana, he was stopped by a transit police officer.  The officer explained to the man that his turn was not permitted.

He then advised the driver that the illegal turn carried a fine of 270,000 colones.

“He said to me: you turned left, it is prohibited. The fine is 270,000 colones, but we can fix it with 100,000,” explained the driver.

After that first comment, and while the officer went to get his handheld machine to issue the ticket, the driver started to record on his phone.

After the incident, the driver filed a report with the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), after which OIJ planned his arrest for last Friday morning. OIJ agents were waiting for the officer in Santa Ana at 6 a.m. when the officer was to begin his duties.

However, it seems somebody had tipped off the officer.  He had already turned in his police motorcycle in Zapote and retained an attorney.

After a hearing, a judge ordered him to 3 months of paid suspension. He must also maintain his place of residence, and not go near the man pressing the charges.

This year so far, a total of 42 transit police officers have been arrested.