(Prensa.com) The Ministry of Public Security of Panama announced on Wednesday that it is preparing a Public Safety Plan, which aims to reduce the average rate of crimes in this country by 15 percent.
According to Vice-Minister of the entity, Alejandro Garúz, this plan establishes a joint effort that includes the participation of civil society organizations, national and international cooperation, universities, and social and professional associations.
At present, Panama has a rate of 22 crimes per 100,000 inhabitants – a relatively low average compared to the rates being recorded in other nations, such as Honduras, which registers approximately 72 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; El Salvador, with 54; and Guatemala (48).
“Security is a complex problem that represents ongoing challenges, both for governments and civil society. We must attack it together,” said the official during a meeting with representatives from all sectors of society.
This plan is the product of four months of work and has the support of the Global Security Program (Prosi), based on proper handling of law enforcement, social rehabilitation, and crime prevention.
Garúz presented this initiative in order to receive the opinion of Panamanian society, before launching the implementation of the plan to fight against criminal activities and violence in the country.
According to Panamanian authorities, the killings and violence in the streets of Panama are directly linked to violence by the drug cartels and organized crime.