Panama's 'Vigilant Neighbors' Program

In 1995, by initiative of Magistrate Marietta Díaz Him, Panama officially launched the 'Vecinos Vigilantes' (Vigilant Neighbors) community safety program. The idea was born after Díaz Him observed an inspiring model for crime prevention in residential areas in Canada. She presented the initiative to the then-director of the National Police, Oswaldo Fernández, who embraced the idea due to its potential positive impact on the Panamanian population. On February 8, 1996, Díaz inaugurated the first program in the Las Cumbres community in Panama City. For several years, the program fostered a sense of community security. However, over time, attention to the original coordination groups may have waned due to constant changes in police leadership or possible executive branch directives. The program is based on a neighborhood structure of permanent residents. Coordinators and sub-coordinators are chosen by the community. Their work must be serious, transparent, and honest. It is crucial to avoid selecting politically exposed individuals or those convicted of fraud for these roles, as the program is apolitical. An organized population requires fewer police officers. The coordinator and sub-coordinator should work together on coherent activities.