Police are generally unable to control crime and violence due to a shortage of manpower, inadequate training and lack of technical expertise. They are subject to corruption and some are involved in criminal activity. Rebel Activity Bogota suffers from sporadic terrorist acts and rebel activity linked to drug trafficking and guerrilla groups. Both groups are leftist, anti-American and have close relationships with drug traffickers. Police and military checkpoints are set up at entrances into Bogota to prevent guerrillas from entering.
Security forces patrol the city to deter terrorists and other violent attackers.
It is important to cooperate fully with authorities at checkpoints and to ensure you have proper identification at all times. Demonstrations Beginning in late September 1998, discontent among unions and public sector workers set off massive strikes and demonstrations throughout the nation. Although the Pastrana administration declared the strikes illegal, they have persisted. The IAPA based this conclusion on deficient radar and air traffic systems, insufficient maintenance inspections and questionable pilot licensing. Colombia's ongoing civil war poses a threat to aircraft and helicopters operating in certain regions of the nation's airspace.