Peru Police Chief Cannot Be Removed, a 2022 Law Says
Law 31570 protects the Peru police chief from early removal, leaving the government with no legal room to replace him. The cabinet now plans to seek legislative powers to change the law. The post Peru Police Chief Cannot Be Removed, a 2022 Law Says appeared first on The Rio Times .
Peru’s government faces a legal obstacle in removing the police chief, as dictated by Law 31570 passed in 2022. The law grants a two-year term for the commander general of the Peruvian National Police, who cannot be removed before the term ends except under very specific and severe circumstances. These exceptions include death, voluntary retirement, permanent physical incapacity, very serious misconduct, final judicial sentences for intentional crimes or crimes in flagrante, and more.
Current police chief Óscar Arriola, who took the position in October 2025, is scheduled to remain in office until September 2027. Interior Minister César Astudillo addressed Congress on August 21, 2026, stating that the outgoing Congress approved a law that prevents early removal of the commander general, and the officer must serve the full two-year term.
The Cabinet is considering a request for legislative powers to modify the law, but this process would require approval from Congress, which may not be swift. The law, passed during a tumultuous political period under the previous government, remains in place and underscores how legislation can have enduring effects.
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