PDI and Carabineros de Chile: Two Key Institutions in National Security

In Chile, public safety is entrusted to two fundamental institutions: the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) and Carabineros de Chile. While they have distinct roles, both entities are pillars in protecting citizens and maintaining order in the country. This article examines the role each plays, their history, key differences, and the increasing importance of the PDI in combating cybercrime.

Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI)

The PDI is a civilian institution specializing in criminal investigation. Founded on June 19, 1933, the PDI emerged in response to the need for a scientific and investigative police force, focused on tackling organized crime and solving complex cases.

The PDI is governed by the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security and is composed of professionals trained in areas such as criminology, law, and forensic sciences. Its primary mission is to investigate crimes, gather evidence, and bring offenders to justice.

Some of its most notable functions include:

- Criminal investigation: Handling everything from common crimes to more complex issues like drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial crimes.

- Forensic science: The PDI has specialized laboratories that assist in identifying fingerprints, conducting ballistics analysis, DNA testing, and other techniques critical to solving cases.

- Interpol: The PDI represents Interpol in Chile, allowing them to collaborate on international investigations and combat transnational crime.

PDI Cybercrime Unit

One of the PDI’s most important recent advancements has been the creation of the Cybercrime Investigative Brigade. With the exponential rise in technology use and the associated threats—such as digital fraud, identity theft, online harassment, child pornography, and cyberattacks on government and private systems—this unit has become a crucial part of the institution.

The PDI Cybercrime Unit’s mission is to prevent, detect, and prosecute crimes occurring in the digital realm. The unit uses advanced tools to track criminal activities on the web, from attacks on critical infrastructures to common crimes like electronic fraud or phishing schemes.

Some of its recent achievements include:

- International collaboration: The unit has worked with organizations such as Interpol and Europol to dismantle cybercriminal networks and arrest individuals involved in distributing child pornography, cyberterrorism, and financial crimes.

- National cybersecurity: In collaboration with government entities, the PDI Cybercrime Unit has participated in protecting critical infrastructure in Chile, preventing attacks on energy grids, communication networks, and public services.

- Education and prevention: The PDI also runs awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to protect themselves from online threats, raising public awareness of the importance of cybersecurity.

Carabineros de Chile

Carabineros de Chile is a militarized institution created on April 27, 1927, whose primary function is to maintain public order and prevent crime. Reporting to the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security during peacetime, and the Ministry of Defense during wartime, Carabineros operates nationwide, including in rural and border areas, providing comprehensive coverage.

Some of its main responsibilities include:

- Public order maintenance: Carabineros is responsible for preventing unrest, managing public demonstrations, and ensuring safety at large events.

- Preventive patrols: Regular patrols in streets and high-risk areas are essential to deterring criminal activity.

- Traffic control: Carabineros is also responsible for regulating vehicle traffic, enforcing traffic laws, and managing road accidents.

- Community safety: They work closely with local communities to build trust and ensure a quick response to emergencies.

Key Differences Between PDI and Carabineros

Although both the PDI and Carabineros share a common goal of safeguarding the public and ensuring security, their approaches and methods differ significantly:

- Nature of the institution: The PDI is a civilian, secular police force, while Carabineros is a militarized institution.

- Primary function: The PDI specializes in criminal investigations, while Carabineros focuses on crime prevention and maintaining public order.

- Training and expertise: PDI officers are trained in criminology, scientific investigation, and forensic techniques, while Carabineros receive training oriented towards crowd control, emergency response, and patrolling.

Collaboration Between Both Institutions

Despite their differences, the PDI and Carabineros work together when necessary. This collaboration is vital for addressing problems ranging from common crimes to more complex threats like organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.

A clear example is when operations are carried out with Carabineros securing the area while the PDI handles investigation and evidence gathering. This synergy ensures an efficient and comprehensive response to security challenges in the country.

Challenges and Public Perception

Both institutions have faced significant challenges in recent years. Carabineros has been scrutinized for allegations of abuse of power, especially during the 2019 social unrest. Meanwhile, the PDI, which maintains a lower profile focused on investigations, has largely retained a more positive image, although it too faces challenges in modernization and technological advancement, particularly in areas like cybercrime.

Both the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI) and Carabineros de Chile play crucial roles in maintaining the country's safety. While the PDI specializes in scientific investigation and has recently expanded into combating cybercrime, Carabineros focuses on crime prevention and maintaining public order. Through collaboration and the use of advanced technology, both institutions strive to address the evolving security challenges of a rapidly interconnected world.