Summary of recommendations on institutional reform for citizen security: • Prioritizing a preventive, pro-active and community role of the police – law enforcement being only a secondary measure of action – has proven to bring results in improving citizen security. • Changing the “identity” and image of the police in countries, cities or boroughs where it has traditionally been associated with repressive action is key, in parallel with substantive reform. Alternative activities such as informal chats with citizens in education-friendly environments can help change this image. • Similarly, images and perceptions of the justice system can make a difference in the promotion of reform. Developing an innovative communication strategy, in parallel with concrete actions to improve the efficiency of the institution, is crucial. New channels of communication between citizens and judiciary institutions are to be explored. • Relations with and training of the media need to be given more attention, in order to foster more rigor in media coverage of citizen security issues, and thus avoid reinforcing stereotypes to rather help promote reform. In this effect, some LAC countries have attempted to institutionalize media relations.
Above: workshop participants during the debates on institutional reform Hereunder: side meeting of workshop participants following up on county initiatives
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