Mexican Prez Discusses Police & Court Reform Plan
Addressing a public that has become increasingly outraged over a spike in violent crime related to drug-dealing, Mexico’s president and other government officials have unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform the country’s police and court system.
Among its 75 points, the plan calls for the elimination of corrupt police officers; national standards for police; a national focus on a growing kidnapping problem, with the help of targeted anti-kidnapping units; harsher sentences for kidnapping; better training of judges and prosecutors; citizen oversight of the police and judiciary; and a national system to allow citizens to inform on criminals anonymously, reports the Houston Chronicle. It has been agreed to by the country’s governors, judicial leaders and lawmakers.
“The truth is we are all responsible,” President Felipe Calderon told the National Conference on Security, Justice and Legality. “The proliferation of crime could not have happened without years of protection and impunity.”
As discussed in earlier ABAJournal.com posts, the spike in violent crime in Mexico has also affected the U.S., as criminals have moved their operations here.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Better-Targeted U.S. Aid Could Boost Mexican Anti-Violence Efforts”
