Police in Peru

The police in Peru (as in much of South America) work quite differently from the police in 'western' countries. Crime-fighting efforts tend to happen as part of a drive every now and again, rather than just going on in the background.

There are several different types of police - including beach police, believe it or not, with their uniform singlet - just like David Hasselhof! If you are in a tourist area there will be tourist police. Look out for these if you need help, they are tasked with helping tourists, and many speak English.

Don't be scared of police bureaucracy. If you are a victim of a crime, go to the police, and have patience with the forms you have to fill in, you will get there eventually. You will need a copy of the police report for any insurance claim that you make.  Just remember that they have processes to go through, and are not just trying to slow things down for the sake of it. If you get annoyed with them then you can expect them to be less, not more, helpful.

Corruption. Most policemen would be horrified if you suggested that they were corrupt - the vast majority would never even think about taking a bribe to allow a crime, etc. However, it is quite common to give a 'propina' or tip to ensure that they do their job a little quicker or more efficiently if you are in a rush. Be very careful not to offend though. Offering to give them a sol or two to buy a 'gaseosa' (fizzy drink)  for their help is usually ok. Once a beach policeman caught a local low-life trying to steal my shoes, and kindly 'escorted' him from the beach after giving him a clip round the ear, and a couple of kicks up the backside. I bought him an ice cream and he kept an eye on my belongings for the rest of the day.

On the spot fines. If you have committed a minor misdemeanour then you could try explaining that 'in my country we have a system of on-the-spot fines, do you have anything similar here' may work wonders. Just don't expect a receipt or any paperwork!

Border police. I find that most things in border towns are unreliable and there always seem to be more 'pirañas' and thieves there than anywhere else. The police are no exception, I have often been told 'my visa is not valid' or 'you can't bring that into the country' or 'have you paid the (imaginary) tax' or some such nonsense intended to squeeze a bribe out of you. How you respond is up to you - pretending to not understand, or replying on the lines of "I checked with the (British embassy / ministry of the interior / tourist police) yesterday, do you have a phone here so I can double check with them again" will often work wonders.  When you are dealing with border police, remember not to upset them though, the cabinet in the corner may be where they keep the rubber gloves and Vaseline...

Airports are a bit of an exception - they genuinely do have a system of obscure taxes that you have to pay before you leave the country, they are not thinly disguised requests for bribes (as I first thought - but that's another story...)

Prison. If you are even vaguely considering a career of crime in South America, don't do it. You REALLY wouldn't like the prisons there, not at all. No way.
Don't just take my word for it, there is a scheme run in Peru, where visitors to the country can go and see westerners who are in chokey and who otherwise wouldn't have any visitors. Ask them what they think about the hospitality - it's a far cry from HMP Slade! At least you are unlikely to be forced to dress in jailbird stripes and be put on display in a cage in the centre of Lima, which is what happened to Abimael Guzman (leader of the Shining Path terrorists) when he was caught.

In short, the police are like anyone else, and will generally try to help you. Just remember if you have been flashing round a camera that is worth more than a policeman earns in a month, and not taking care of it, you probably won't get much sympathy if it is stolen.

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