ECUADOR - SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

The threat environment in Ecuador could be rated as mild compared to countries like Colombia and Perú. Ecuador does not have an organized guerrilla movement. This has allowed Ecuador to live in relative calm since we have efficiently controlled our borders.
Professional criminal activity and opportunistic street crime are a problem in some areas but recent security measures are beginning to improve these situations.

In Ecuador, there are numerous multinational companies who do not view security as a serious problem for their installations and people. Reasonable and appropriate precautions ensure that they can effectively conduct business.

The unstable (but improving) economic and political environment have caused some social protests and demonstrations with little use of violence.

Church, Politics and Indian Population.

After the "Theology of Liberation" (1975) there have been many changes in the nucleus of the Church. In Ecuador, the Church has strong political influence especially within the Indian populations.

Priest today argue and protest against government policies and decisions. Lately it is common to see priests leading protests and public demonstrations that sometimes lead to violence.

Indigenous ethnic movements are now organized and have a share in power. In Ecuador, this movement has realized a transformation due to educational programs sponsored and organized by the state; mostly accomplished by local military.

Actually, the Indian movement is a socialist organization influenced by the extreme left. Sometimes it is utilized to paralyze the whole country by blocking the roads with massive demonstrations.

Dangerous Zones

Rural areas are considered dangerous in Ecuador because of the limited police presence. These rural areas include the agricultural properties of the cost, highlands and large areas of the Jungle where oil companies are extracting petroleum. Many of the oil fields are reachable only by helicopter and single roads, which makes them vulnerable to criminal attacks and/or blockades.

Police and Military

Police in Ecuador often lack proper personal equipment and other resources. This is the reason for the existence of a wide range of private security companies; many of them running under franchises. Security companies range in caliber from first class (expensive) to low quality (inexpensive). The personnel of the low range security companies have little or no training.

The military is the primary authority in dangerous areas. They also provide for logistical (Aircraft, Helicopters and Trucks) and personal services for the transportation and custody of private goods that favor the economic interest of the country.

Organized Crime

Ecuadorian police forces monitor about 60 organized criminal groups. These groups are mainly dedicated to stealing cars and to assaulting banks. Kidnappings occur but are not very common (14 kidnappings in 1999).

The biggest city in Ecuador (Guayaquil) has only 2.7 million inhabitants; this makes our cities less susceptible to the common crime problems of big cities.

Given the generally low cost of personal protection, most executives prefer to have an escort or bodyguard to accompany them for their peace of mind and as a precaution against street crime.

Drug Dealing

Drug dealing is growing in Ecuador. In the past, due to the border dispute with Peru and the patrolled borders, drug dealers and guerrillas remained at bay.

In the northern provinces, there have been minor inconveniences due to the guerrilla control of the Colombian Putumayo region. With little exception, the guerrillas have not found reason to introduce themselves into Ecuadorian territory since they have their hands busy with the Colombian army and do not need more problems with the Ecuadorian army.

Ecuador is becoming a transit region for the passage of drugs from Peru to Colombia. The lack of internal contraband controls has made Ecuador an attractive place to work for drug dealers.

In 1999, Ecuador accepted a U.S. Air force base for reconnaissance flights to control drug dealing in Colombia and Peru. Ecuador denied allowing armed United States aircraft.

[Back to top]

PERSONAL AND CORPORATE SECURITY IN ECUADOR

Private Security and Bodyguards

The monthly average cost for a home security guard service armed with a 9mm pistol and radio (3 men in rotation 24 hours a day) is approximately USD. 1400. The standard cost of a legally bonded bodyguard is USD. 1500. Specialized VIP bodyguards charges range between USD 6.50 to USD 20 per hour. Bodyguards must be legally bonded to a security company and use company licensed equipment and documents.

Female bodyguards are becoming increasingly available In Ecuador. As well, armored or semi-armored vehicles for transportation of personnel or equipment are readily available. These generally include driver - escorts specialized in driving skills and evasion techniques.

There is only a handful of reliable Security Services provider in Ecuador. PROSEC International [www.protection-ecuador.com] is the only one we recommend, you may contact them at info@protection-ecuador . com

Security Consulting and Crisis Management

Few International Security Consulting firms have offices in Ecuador, PALS Ecuador (Protection & Logistics Services) [www.protection-ecuador.com/pals] a reputable Consulting firm has its head office in Quito, this company offers a comprehensive program of security consulting and crisis / emergency managing.

Weapons in Ecuador

Gun laws in Ecuador are standardized and flexible. For example, there is no distinction between owning and carrying a gun. When somebody acquires a gun, the buyer must wait until the military authorities give the specific permit to possess it before the seller provides the weapon. This process generally requires one month.

The maximum caliber permitted for common citizens and private security companies is 9mm (for semiautomatic pistols) with two magazines of 10 bullets each and Caliber 38 Special for revolvers. Certain exceptions apply to sport shooters, which can use a maximum caliber of 0.40 S&W for a semi-automatic pistol.

You can get permits to carry more magazines if the need is justified. Weapons such as sub-machine guns in 9mm could be authorized upon military study and the endorsement of a private certified consultant.

Assault rifles and carbines are completely prohibited and possessing one is a serious crime. Laser sights and night vision systems are prohibited as well.

For a foreigner to carry weapons in Ecuador a valid working permit is needed; no special restrictions apply.

Armed Defense Training

South American bodyguards and instructors are famous worldwide for their practical techniques due to constant armed encounters with criminal and subversive groups.

In Ecuador, there are few schools offering armed defense with international recognition. Ecuador is famous for excellence in training given to civilians, military and police. One of the most important Academies in Ecuador is POLYGONO directed by Colonel Carlos Badillo Guerra, this academy works jointly with the largest local training institute Integrated Protection Concepts (IPC) [www.protection-ecuador.com/ipc].

Take a look at our readily available security services , other available business services or refer to our business related free information of Ecuador to learn a bit more about our country.