DEPSAM PNP stands for the High Mountain Rescue Division of the National Police of Peru. This unit is part of the National Police of Peru (PNP) and is specifically responsible for conducting search and rescue operations in high mountain areas and difficult terrains. DEPSAM members are highly trained to deal with the extreme conditions found in the country’s mountain ranges, such as the Andes, and provide assistance to mountaineers, tourists, and locals in emergency situations.
Their activities include:
This unit is crucial in a country like Peru, which has many high-altitude areas frequented by adventurers from around the world.
The Mountain Police of Peru, formally known as the High Mountain Rescue Division (DEPSAM), is a specialized unit within the National Police of Peru (PNP). This division is responsible for conducting search and rescue operations in high mountain areas, as well as ensuring the safety of those who travel or engage in activities in high-altitude and rugged terrains.
Specialized Training: The officers in this division are trained in climbing techniques, rescue in steep terrain, and survival in extreme conditions such as intense cold and high altitudes.
Geographical Coverage: They operate mainly in the Andes Mountains, which stretch across much of Peru, in high mountain areas like Huaraz (Cordillera Blanca), Cusco, Arequipa, and other regions where mountaineering and adventure tourism are common.
Functions:
International Collaboration: They work together with international rescue organizations and other security institutions to coordinate efforts in emergency situations, especially when foreign tourists are involved.
Humanitarian Mission: Their primary goal is to save lives, protecting and assisting those who face dangers in the mountains. They also participate in training mountain guides and other professionals in rescue techniques.
This unit is essential in a country with many high mountain areas and significantly contributes to the safety of both locals and tourists who venture into Peru’s heights.
The mission of the Mountain Police of Peru is to protect and preserve lives by providing specialized search and rescue services in high-altitude and remote mountain areas. They are dedicated to:
The Mountain Police of Peru are committed to safeguarding all who explore the country’s mountainous regions, ensuring that they are prepared and equipped to respond to any emergency.
The vision of the Mountain Police of Peru is to become a leading force in mountain safety and rescue operations, recognized both nationally and internationally for their excellence and dedication. They aim to:
Their ultimate goal is to safeguard lives in Peru’s mountainous areas, ensuring that all who venture into these regions can do so with confidence, knowing that expert assistance is always within reach.
In 2024, the High Mountain Rescue Division (DEPSAM) of the Peruvian National Police has approximately 60 to 70 specialized rescuers. This number may vary slightly depending on operational needs and ongoing training of personnel. DEPSAM rescuers are trained in advanced high mountain rescue techniques and are equipped to face a variety of challenges in difficult terrain and extreme conditions.
The first private mountain rescue association The Mountain Rescue Association of South America (MRAS), founded on October 1, 2020. This private organization is based in Peru and Bolivia and plays a fundamental role in search and rescue service in rugged terrain & in High Mountain special.
