The Divergence of Democratic Policing: Reflection on Brazil and Argentina

Abstract

This paper highlights the existing literature on the nature and problem of policing by investigating their obvious and not so obvious origins, their enabling culture, reforms, and the immense challenges encountered by those trying to shake up the status quo. By way of literature review, further investigates the intricacies and complexities of democratizing policing in Latin America: Brazil and Argentina, in light of the fact that their governance systems have transitioned from military rule to electoral democracy and have been in operation for over two decades. The paper also explores why the police reforms that were introduced and implemented are yet to yield the desired results. Police in democratic states have increasingly been questioned over their roles and responsibility in order to determine whether they are actually reducing crime or merely increasing the fear of crime. Throughout the articles reviewed, common themes of trust and improved collaboration with stakeholders emerge, giving directions to where possible solutions of the problems may lie.

Media, crime, and trust in the police in Latin America

“…These include greater use of surveillance in Colombia, more effective assignment of law enforcement to the most dangerous neighborhoods through Barrio Seguro in the Dominican Republic, innovative redistributive projects like Fica Vivo (or “stay alive” in Portuguese) in Brazil, and cooperative arrangements with nongovernmental organizations to reduce sexual assault (particularly against women) in Bolivia (Muggah et al, 2016). These positive developments, however, often seem overwhelmed by systematic deficiencies in terms of funding and professionalization, as well as the continued presence of widespread corruption (Wazed and Akhtar, 2015). Trends such as these could be markedly detrimental to citizen trust and faith in government—as many initiatives may fail due to insufficient support and resources, or significant implementation barriers, leaving citizens to feel helpless.…”

Political Elites, Crime, and Trust in the Police in Latin America

“…Despite some successes, many attempts at implementing reforms are thwarted by lack of resources, insufficient training, corruption, and poor communication with the public (Wazed & Akhtar, 2015). Mano dura policies have a long history in the region and still enjoy fairly widespread support.…”