Monday, June 7, 2010
Mexican President
is Proposing a New Police Force Model
Presidency of the Republic
During Mexico's 28th National
Public Security Council meeting, President Felipe Calderón announced when Congress reconvenes in ordinary session that he
will submit a bill for constitutional reform promoting a new police force model.
This will be based, he explained,
on 32 state police forces with a single, reliable command in each, which will make it possible to advance with much greater
clarity and unity of command in the coordination of the various orders of government.
“Our main objective is
to ensure that, regardless of who is governing or what party he belongs to, Mexicans will be protected by an honest, professional
police force, an effective, transparent system of justice, and a legal framework that increases the authorities’ power
in the face of criminals and makes it possible to effectively punish criminals,” he declared.
At the Campo Militar Marte, accompanied
by the Security Cabinet as well as most of the country’s governors, the President stressed that the best responses to
crime are institutional solutions that outlast governments, since countries that have successfully overcome the problem of
the lack of law and order have done so in an integral, national, long-term fashion.
“We must continue to work
to ensure that institutional changes translate into Mexicans’ security and tranquility," Calderón said.
"That is why it is essential
for local authorities to redouble efforts to ensure the professionalization and reliability of their security corps, so that
they strengthen their institutions for the procurement and administration of justice,” he explained.
President Calderón confirmed
the federal government’s willingness to support efforts being made by this Council, “Because we want a safe Mexico,
in which there is no place for the fear, violence and impunity we are suffering today.”
“I am sure in the discussion
that we will have here on the new police force model, the resources and contributions of the Contribution Fund for Public
Security, the creation of a National Academy of Penitentiary Administration and others, Mexicans’ interests will prevail
over all others."
"The Mexico of freedoms, order
and peace we wish to pass on to future generations demands the unlimited commitment of all those that have the privilege of
serving our country in a public position,” he declared.
During the closing ceremony of
the Council, attendees approved President Calderón’s proposal to create a special commission that will follow up on
the agreement to create a new police force model in Mexico.
——————————
Press Release: Presidency of
the Republic, June 3, 2010, Mexico, D.F.; translation Presidency of the Republic
