Government wants inter-agency commission to regulate gun ownership in Costa Rica

February 18^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) A replacement text submitted by the Ministry of Public Security aims to create an interagency committee which would regulate the possession of firearms and ammunition in Costa Rica, as well as introduce a series of measures aimed at reducing homicides.

The commission would be composed of one member from the Ministry of Security, another from the Ministry of Justice, as well as a representative from the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Labor, and the Health Ministry, as well as four NGO’s.

Among other aspects of the proposed measure would be the marking of all firearms and ammunition with tracking numbers.  In addition gun stores would be required to keep track of those who purchase guns or ammunition.

Marcela Chacon, Deputy Minister of Interior and Police, explained that the system would also prevent persons from buying ammunition for criminals by only allowing the sale of ammunition that matches the caliber of a legally registered gun in the buyer’s name.

The proposal would also prohibit the possession of firearms by those who have been charged with domestic violence.

“Violence is often generated from a weapon and having a gun does not contribute to a culture of peace,” Chacon said.