Safety and Police in Medellin, Colombia

Author: Gabriella Grace

Medellin, once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, has undergone a major transformation over the past two decades. Today, the city is working towards being one of the safest in South America and a top destination for travelers and expats alike.

One of the key reasons for this transformation has been the city’s focus on improving public safety. In the 1990s- early 2000, Medellin experienced a high level of violence and crime, fueled by drug trafficking and armed guerrilla groups. However, the city has since implemented a number of innovative and effective strategies to tackle these problems.

One of these strategies is the development of community-based policing programs. The city has worked to establish close relationships between local police and the communities they serve, creating a more collaborative and effective approach to law enforcement. This has helped to build trust between the police and the public, making it easier to identify and address crime in high-risk areas.

Another important initiative has been the development of public spaces that promote safety and well-being. This includes the creation of parks, plazas, and bike lanes, which provide safe places for people to gather and enjoy the city. The city has also invested in the development of public transport systems, including the world-renowned Metrocable, which provides a safe and affordable way for people to get around.

In addition to these physical improvements, Medellin has also focused on addressing the root causes of crime and violence. This includes initiatives to improve education, job opportunities, and access to healthcare in high-risk areas. By addressing these underlying issues, the city has been able to create a more stable and safe environment for its residents.

Despite these efforts, Medellin is not without its challenges. The city continues to experience some levels of crime and violence, and visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety. However, the city’s focus on public safety has made it one of the up and coming safer destinations in South America, and visitors should feel confident in exploring Medellin such as El Poblado and Comuna 13. While the city does have its streets and areas to avoid such as: Parque de El Poblado and Park Lleras. When traveling through Medellin, I met lots of helpful Police that helped be with directions and made areas fee pretty safe. While reading about safety in Medellin. I came across a fact from a few years ago saying streets are 33% unsafe during the day and that statistic dropped to 60% unsafe after dark. Take that as you will. I found no issues getting around after dark along very crowded streets and always called a Didi (local Uber app) for a 8,000-15,000 peso ride home if it required walking more than a few streets. I took over a dozen rides and had lovely drivers.

Medellin’s focus on public safety has transformed it from one of the most dangerous cities in the world into one of the safest destinations in South America. With innovative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its residents and promoting a safer environment, Medellin is an example of what can be achieved through a commitment to public safety.

Personal opinion: I personaly found Medellin far safer than I read about online. I was really nervous about getting dinner after dark and being mugged at gunpoint. This never happened. I felt really safe actually. I did do a few things as preventative measures:

-I wore a dress and shorts with pockets underneath.

-I only carried my credit card, small amount of cash and phone in my shorts pockets under my dress.

-I DID NOT carry a purse or wear any jewelry.

-I had a passcode put in my phone with everything erased after 10 attempts.

-I deleted my banking account off my phone.

-I only pulled out my phone inside a restaurant or bar. I was sparring at checking it on the metro.

I found these things felt overly cautious after the first few days. I’d still suggest caution. Although I’d say anyone could come to visit with no issues.

Happy Travels!