Changes in police leadership: Fredy López Mendoza assumes the General Command of the PNP
This Wednesday, September 16, the President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, will preside over the official relief ceremony at the general command of the National Police of Peru (PNP). The event, scheduled for 09:40 hours at the PNP Higher Technical Professional Education School in Puente Piedra, will mark the beginning of the tenure of Lieutenant General Fredy López Mendoza, who will replace General Óscar Arriola in the position.
The protocol ceremony will be attended by the Minister of the Interior, César Astudillo, along with vice ministers and members of the Police High Command. This change of command comes at a critical moment for the institution, marked by significant challenges in terms of citizen security, the fight against extortion, and the struggle against criminal organizations.
Trajectory of the new commander general
Fredy López Mendoza, an officer from the 1990 graduating class, reaches the top leadership of the Police after serving since January 2026 as Chief of the General Staff of the PNP. With more than three decades of experience, his profile stands out for his extensive background in operational areas, criminal investigation, and administrative management.
- Anti-Corruption Directorate.
- National Criminal Investigation Directorate.
- Police Aviation Directorate.
- Executive Secretariat of the PNP.
- Headquarters of the Madre de Dios Police Region.
- Deputy Police Attaché at the Embassy of Peru in Spain.
Context of Óscar Arriola’s departure
Óscar Arriola’s departure comes amidst a backdrop of public questioning. Various investigations have pointed to frequent meetings between the former general commander and Jasmin Katherine La Rosa Ramos, alias “La Gringa,” an alleged member of the criminal organization “La Jauría,” which is dedicated to contract killing and extortion in Trujillo.
Official records indicate that La Rosa Ramos entered the police headquarters at least ten times during the last year, highlighting five visits to Arriola’s office that lasted for more than eight hours, without any public explanations being offered regarding the reason for these meetings.
Alofoke DeportesChallenges in the face of the insecurity crisis
The new police command assumes its duties under intense social pressure due to the increase in crime. According to recent figures, the country has recorded 248 homicides between July 28 and September 11, a period that coincides with the first weeks of the current government administration. López Mendoza’s management will be key to determining the new strategies that the institution will implement to regain citizen trust and curb the advance of organized crime in the national territory.
