The museum Museo Nacional de Costa Rica was placed in the Cuartel Bellavista as a symbol of commitment to culture.

In 1986, President Oscar Arias Sánchez declared December 1 as the Día de la Abolición del Ejército (Military abolition day) with Law #8115.

Costa Rica maintains small forces capable of law enforcement, but has no permanent standing army.

The Costa Rica Coast Guard also operates directly under the Ministry but is not a part of the Public Force proper.

Instead, it is part of the Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS) which reports directly to the Minister of the Presidency.