Humberto Meneses

Humberto Meneses Madrid (24 November 1900 – 24 December 1982) was a Chilean police officer who served as General Director of Carabineros de Chile from 1950 to 1952.

Early life

Meneses was born in Llay-Llay, Chile, on 24 November 1900. He studied at the Escuela Normal del Arzobispado de Santiago and worked as a primary school teacher before entering the School of Carabineros in April 1922. After graduating in October 1923, he served in several police units, including assignments in Antofagasta, Tierra del Fuego and Valparaíso.

Following the establishment of Carabineros de Chile in 1927, he continued his institutional career, holding various operational and administrative positions. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1938 and was subsequently appointed Prefect of Coquimbo.

In 1945, he assumed command of the First Inspection Zone in Antofagasta, attaining the rank of general. Three years later, he was appointed Deputy General Director.

General Director of Carabineros

On 16 February 1950, President Gabriel González Videla appointed Meneses acting general director of Carabineros. He formally assumed office on 5 March.

During his administration, measures were introduced to improve personnel welfare, including salary increases and housing initiatives. In March 1950, the institution established its radio patrol service through the creation of the 17th Radio Patrol Police Station, initially equipped with eight vehicles. The service subsequently expanded to Valparaíso and Concepción, while a second unit was established in Santiago in 1952.

Meneses remained in office until 3 November 1952, when he was succeeded by Jorge Ardiles.

Later life

Following his retirement, Meneses served as Governor of the Pedro Aguirre Cerda Department from August 1963 to November 1964, having been appointed by President Jorge Alessandri. He died in Santiago, Chile, on 24 December 1982, aged 82.