The National Police of Ecuador is implementing a unique selection process for the admission of a new class of 112 cadets to the Higher School. In an effort to prevent infiltration into this security body by members of criminal gangs, applicants with tattoos will be excluded.

During a press conference, the national director of Police Education, José Alejandro Vargas, highlighted the primary objective of preventing individuals with affiliations to terrorist organizations from entering the National Police.

According to Vargas, these organizations’ tattoos serve as indicators of loyalty and hierarchical status within the group. President Daniel Noboa’s recent classification of organized crime as an “internal armed conflict” has further emphasized the importance of this aspect.

In their operations, the police and armed forces actively search for tattoos that may indicate involvement with criminal gangs. These tattoos often feature animals, such as ‘Los Lobos’, ‘Los Águilas’, or ‘Los Tiguerones’. The oldest and largest gang in Ecuador, ‘Los Choneros’, typically associates themselves with lion tattoos.

Vargas also mentioned the results of a survey conducted by the police, in which almost 22,000 people expressed discomfort with officers displaying visible tattoos. As a result, future evaluations will determine appropriate measures for cadets and agents already incorporated into the force.

To be eligible for the cadet selection process, the Police has established additional requirements, such as no visible body expanders, no criminal record, no affiliation with political parties, and being unmarried between the ages of 18 and 22 with no family responsibilities.

In total, the Police plan to accept 1,500 men and 250 women as applicants, competing for the 112 cadet positions at the Police Higher School. Among these, 95 spots will be reserved for men and 17 for women, with a four-year training period.