Criminologist's Day in Panama: A Science with a Human Face

Criminology is a science with a human face. In Panama, November 16th is Criminologist's Day, a tribute to a profession that often works in silence but has a significant social impact. This date also marks the progress of this science, which began at the Interamerican University of Panama under the leadership of Dean Yolanda Pulice. A key milestone was the approval of Law 328 on October 10, 2022, which established the national criminological policy and designated November 16th as Criminologist's Day in the country. Despite these achievements, Panamanian criminology faces significant challenges. The state's response to crime has been mostly reactive and punitive, highlighting the need to strengthen the preventive and interdisciplinary approach of modern criminology. Poor coordination between the government, academia, and civil society, a lack of investment in applied criminological research, and the need to update educational programs to address emerging criminal realities are some of the most pressing issues. In 2025, Panama is facing a 4% increase in recorded crimes, surpassing 105,000 cases, amidst the expansion of gangs and organized crime, often linked to international networks. A criminologist is not a judge with a gavel or a superhero in a cape, but their work is as essential as it is invisible. They are a compass who investigates not to point fingers, but to understand contexts and offer solutions for the country's justice system. They are a voice advocating for reintegration, prevention, and dignity. They are the heart that beats for justice. A criminologist learns to observe in depth, listen without prejudice, and act with ethics. Their work is crucial not only in courtrooms but also in communities, schools, and spaces for dialogue. Therefore, it is necessary to allocate resources for research, view the criminologist as an agent of social change, and have the political will to build a more effective and humane justice system. Collaboration between the government and the university opens up opportunities for young professionals with scientific training. From the Academic and Social Criminological Observatory (OCAS), there is a call on local authorities and dialogue managers to establish an autonomous and independent entity to function as a 'leading criminological body' to implement initiatives, projects, and programs in communities using tools of social and community justice. Criminologist's Day must not be just a commemorative date; it should be a moment to think, recognize, and commit to a more effective and humanitarian justice system. Let's work together in favor of peace and peaceful coexistence!