Report on security sector reform in Latin America and the Caribbean

The goal of this report is to contribute to an understanding of the political and institutional processes taking place in Latin America related to the security sector since the region's wide-scale return to democracy. The development of a systematic vision of the multiple institutions linked to the sector is one of the remaining tasks in the process of democratic consolidation in the region. Yet, it notes that advances in this area have been uneven on both a thematic and territorial level. Moreover, in most countries of the region, reform initiatives relating to the armed forces and intelligence services are still very limited.

As a result, it is necessary to professionalise the institutions affiliated with the security sector. The paper presents the following recommendations: 

• regarding security sectors, reforms should be considered within an integrated framework, showing the interrelation and inter-dependence of the different institutions and sectors
• security institutions must incorporate democratic principles and work to strengthen civil society
• the need to confront organised crime in an efficient way requires strengthening the institutions in charge controlling the police
• consequently, it is necessary to implement mechanisms to control the use of force, improve the quality of service and reduce corruption
• military participation in public security should not be a regular practice or a solution to police weaknesses
• sub-regional institutions should work to identify effective joint actions that would allow for cooperation and inter-governmental coordination to tackle important problems
• the design and implementation of accountability mechanisms should be a priority
• the security sector agenda should be analysed and developed by civilians, particularly in universities and research centres
• the supervision of security policies should be the responsibility of civilians
• specific legislation for the sector that allows for greater monitoring by the legislative power should be established.