Fiscalía General de la Nación
Fiscalía
Summary
The Fiscalía General de la Nación is Colombia’s independent criminal prosecution body, established by Articles 249-253 of the 1991 Constitución Política and regulated procedurally by Ley 906 de 2004 (Código de Procedimiento Penal). The Fiscal General is elected by the Supreme Court of Justice from a presidential slate for a four-year non-renewable term. The Fiscalía exercises criminal jurisdiction over police officers and corrections staff who commit offences in or with occasion of service (excluding conflict-related crimes under JEP jurisdiction). Under Art. 250 Const. and Arts. 200-211 Ley 906, it directs and coordinates the Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación (CTI) and judicial-police units embedded in the National Police to carry out independent criminal investigations. It has full access to evidence, including records, files, communications, and may order searches and seizures subject to judicial oversight. It issues no disciplinary sanctions but refers misconduct findings to the Procuraduría. Annual management reports are published.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Mixed (multi-branch) |
|---|---|
| Term length | 4 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Constitución Política Art. 249-253; Ley 906 de 2004 (Código de Procedimiento Penal)
- Citation
- Const. Art. 249-253; Ley 906/2004 Arts. 200-211
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Criminal prosecution and investigation of all punishable conduct including crimes committed by law enforcement officers (police, military police, corrections staff) in or with occasion of service, except conflict-related crimes under JEP jurisdiction. Directs and coordinates the judicial police (CTI and units assigned from national police) in criminal investigations.