- 110 — emergency IN PROGRESS (active crime, violence, assault). Dispatches patrol.
- Digital Station — formal complaint registered in CASE system. NOT for emergencies.
- 1561 Crime Stoppers — anonymous tip on organized crime, narco, hitmen.
- In-person PNC sub-station — complaints requiring physical evidence, photos.
The National Civil Police (PNC — Policía Nacional Civil) is Guatemala’s police force — one of the 6 Direcciones Generales of MINGOB, but with its own portal, digital station, and 24/7 citizen service. Anything related to public safety, complaints, police background checks, traffic control, and supervision of private security companies goes through here.
Quick rule: Emergency NOW? → 110. Formal complaint with CASE registration? → Digital Station. Anonymous tip about organized crime? → 1561. Complaint against corrupt PNC officer? → 1531. Private security company? → DIGESSP. Background check for visa? → policiales.pnc.gob.gt.
Emergency numbers in Guatemala — quick reference
| Emergency | Number | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| PNC — Police | 110 | Crime in progress, assault, robbery, active violence, traffic accident with injuries |
| Volunteer Firefighters | 122 | Fire, rescue, ambulance, first aid |
| Municipal Firefighters | 123 | Alternative in Guatemala City (central zones) |
| Guatemalan Red Cross | 125 | Ambulance, non-urgent medical transport |
| IGSS Health | 1522 | Emergencies for IGSS members (IGSS ambulance) |
| MP — Anti-Violence Hotline | 1572 | Domestic violence, against women, children (Public Ministry) |
| PNC Crime Stoppers | 1561 | ANONYMOUS tip on organized crime (no need to identify yourself) |
| PNC Anti-Corruption | 1531 | Complaints against corrupt or abusive PNC officers |
| PNC Anti-Narcotics | 1577 | Drug trafficking reports, narco activity |
| CONRED | 119 | Natural disasters (earthquake, landslide, flood) |
Diaspora: all these numbers are dialable from the USA by adding +502 (example: +502-110). In a genuine emergency, make the call — the PNC dispatches a unit even if you call from abroad on behalf of a family member.
Most-searched PNC trámites
Complaints and reports (all free, mostly online)
| Trámite | For whom | How |
|---|---|---|
| PNC Online Complaint | Any crime victim | Digital Station or in-person — free |
| Digital Station — Tutorial | First time using the system | Step-by-step tutorial of the online system |
| Lost Property Report | Lost documents (DPI, passport, license) before replacement | Digital Station or in-person — free |
Victims and specialized care
| Trámite | For whom | How |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Report | Family violence victims (women, children, elderly) | 110 emergency + protection orders + shelters |
| Victim Support Services | Victims of any crime needing support | PNC + MP + IDPP + NGO coordination |
Private security companies (B2B)
| Trámite | For whom | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Private Security Company License (DIGESSP) | Entrepreneurs operating or starting an ESP | Q5,000-Q25,000 + bond |
Background checks
| Trámite | For whom | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Police Background Check | Visa, work, residency | Free (Gratuity Law 2026) |
| Criminal Background Check | Same recipient, complementary | Q15-30 (via Judiciary) |
Diaspora — using PNC from the USA
If you live in the USA and need to interact with PNC for a family member in Guatemala or for your own case:
- Family member as crime victim in Guatemala: dial
+502-110from your US cell phone. PNC dispatches a unit. Then use the Digital Station with the family members DPI to leave a formal record. - Police background check for your US visa or green card: the online system works from any country. Download as PDF and apostille at MINEX (an authorized family member in Guatemala starts it). See full guide.
- Repatriation after violent crime (homicide of family member): contact your nearest Guatemalan consulate — they coordinate with MP Guatemala, PNC, and MINEX for the body repatriation process.
- Reporting organized crime anonymously: 1561 (Crime Stoppers) accepts anonymous international calls. They do not ask you to identify yourself, do not track you, and your information goes directly to PNC intelligence.
- Complaints about Guatemalan police as a US tourist: if you were extorted or abused by a PNC officer during your visit to Guatemala, dial 1531 (Anti-Corruption) — also works for foreigners. The US Embassy in Guatemala also accepts reports of police misconduct against US citizens.
Before filing a complaint — checklist
| Have ready | Why |
|---|---|
| Valid DPI (victim) | Mandatory ID for formal complaint |
| Passport if foreigner | Replaces DPI for non-Guatemalans |
| Incident description (date, time, exact location) | The CASE system records these data |
| Assailant description if seen (height, clothing, tattoos, vehicle, plate) | Improves investigation |
| Photo evidence if available (injuries, property damage) | You upload it to the Digital Station |
| Witnesses and their contacts | The MP will summon them later |
| Active email | You receive complaint number and updates |
PNC sub-stations — key locations
| Location | Sub-station | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City — Center | PNC Headquarters, Av. Petapa zone 13 | 110 |
| Antigua Guatemala | Central zone sub-station | 110 |
| Quetzaltenango (Xela) | Zone 1 sub-station | 110 |
| Escuintla | Department capital sub-station | 110 |
| Huehuetenango | Department capital sub-station | 110 |
| Cobán (Alta Verapaz) | Department capital sub-station | 110 |
Full directory: pnc.gob.gt — look for the “Subestaciones” section.
PNC categories — what each division does
Public Safety (patrol, prevention)
PNC has presence in every Guatemalan municipality — urban patrols, motorized units, PNC special force, and specialized units (DIPANDA — anti-narcotics, DEIC — criminal investigation, DIDS — tourist security).
Criminal Investigation (DEIC)
Investigates serious crimes: homicide, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Works in coordination with MP (prosecutor) and OJ (judges).
PNC Traffic Department
Handles traffic control, accidents, fines, drivers licenses, and replacement reports. Its trámites are in the MINGOB hub — traffic category.
DIGESSP — Private Security Services
Regulates private security companies (ESPs) under Decree 39-89. Issues licenses, supervises weapons, audits compliance.
Digital Station (Comisaría Digital)
Online complaint system on the CASE backbone. Reduces queues, accelerates crime registration, and enables tracking from your phone.
PNC contact
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official portal | pnc.gob.gt |
| Digital Station | pnc.gob.gt/comisaria-digital/ |
| Police Background Check | policiales.pnc.gob.gt |
| Emergency | 110 |
| Anonymous Crime Stoppers | 1561 |
| Police Anti-Corruption | 1531 |
| Anti-Narcotics | 1577 |
| PNC Headquarters | Av. Petapa, zone 13, Guatemala City |
More Guatemalan government resources
- MINGOB Guatemala — PNCs parent ministry (naturalization, NGOs, criminal background)
- Judiciary (OJ) — judges, criminal background (CAPE), divorces, child support
- Public Ministry — prosecutor: files complaints for formal criminal proceedings
- RENAP Guatemala — DPI, birth certificate (needed for replacement after loss)
- Guatemalan Consulates in the USA — diaspora coordination with PNC
- Guatemala Trámites — complete directory