What do we do?

Bank investments are aimed at restoring or improving public trust in law enforcement agencies and other government agencies while increasing their effectiveness and capabilities in addressing citizen security. An appropriate policy framework is essential. Some countries supported by Bank assistance have mobilized a substantial political commitment to contend with a wave of crime and violence in danger of spiraling out of control. Interdisciplinary approaches, including building coalitions among different public agencies and civil society, are fundamental for successful programs. Strengthening or reorganizing public institutions, with new personnel and more modern tools, are priorities. Training, evaluation and information systems are essential components of Bank-supported investments. Recognizing the seriousness of the challenge to citizen security is a necessary first step in finding complex but proven solutions to overcome daunting obstacles.

Objective

The objective is to adopt new ways to address crime and violence that are based on scientific evidence, past experiences, and new, proven solutions that offer a much higher probability of success than in the past. This means developing comprehensive approaches with close cooperation among all levels of government – local, provincial, national and international – and with civil society. A municipal and local focus is critical, because citizen security issues and solutions vary from community to community as well as from country to country.

Why focus on Institutional capacities and citizen security policies?

Past policies and actions in addressing citizen security in many nations and localities in Latin America and the Caribbean have been haphazard and ineffective. To correct deficiencies, investments must be carried out in a well designed framework, planned by qualified experts with proven track records and combined with specific goals and benchmarks. Not only will well articulated and skillfully planned policies produce better results, but they also will reduce costs.

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