Crime and Peace in San Miguelito: A Call to Community Action

The district of San Miguelito, in Panama, faces serious security issues such as youth violence and organized crime, affecting the quality of life and health of its residents. The Academic and Social Criminological Observatory (OCAS) is presented as an integrated strategy to revitalize social control, strengthen institutions, and create a culture of peace through citizen participation and a criminology-based approach.


**Criminological report for the analysis of crime statistics in the San Miguel region**

The San Miguel region, located in the province of Panama, became the object of a complex analysis, which identified systemic problems and proposed solutions. Based on the data, high levels of persistent poverty, high levels of youth crime, criminal gangs, minor drug trafficking, and conflicts between communities are recorded in the region. These calls, checked, negatively affect the quality of life of the population, requiring strong measures on local and national levels.

**Key findings and recommendations** To combat the identified problems, a complex strategy is proposed, including community-oriented measures, institutional reforms, and educational programs. The main recommendations include: - Establishment of formal and informal social control. - Support for families and creation of safe spaces for children. - Formation of citizen security management, including community police and students. - Participation of regional authorities in the analysis of each case.

The central role is played by **Observable Criminological and Social (OCAS)**, which states: "Without the participation of the academy and the community, it is impossible to create effective mechanisms for crime prevention".

**Theoretical foundations and their application** The research is based on three key theories: 1. **Social control theory**, developed by Travis Hirschi, which states that norms and institutions of society regulate behavior. 2. **Social disorganization theory** (Shaw and McKay) indicates that the prevalence of crime arises from the social structure of the area, and not only from individual choices. 3. **Social learning theory** (Albert Bandura) suggests that people copy behavior through observation of the surrounding world, including family, school, and leaders.

**Challenges and prospects** The authors note that the current use of state powers is insufficient: lack of prosecutorial capacity, weak communication with the population and lack of city plans. For example, without a dialogue it is impossible to establish an effective social control, and administrative resources are more likely to react to the needs of the region.

**Results and conclusions** San Miguel, not focusing on the history, states that "where there is light, there is crime, but not vice versa". The realization of the proposed measures requires the joint work of all—from authorities to citizens. As noted: "Without dialogue there is no control; there is authority, but it does not act".

The conclusion of the report emphasizes the importance of national involvement in the region: "The neighborhood is protected when the state respects the rights of its citizens."