Combating Rising Crime: A New Approach to Municipal Security

In response to a nationwide surge in crime, including extortion and contract killings, the Peruvian government has enacted Law No.32292.This legislation, signed by President Dina Boluarte and Premier Gustavo adrianzén Olaya, amends Law 31297, known as the “Municipal Serenazgo Service Law,” with the goal of significantly improving the selection, training, and operational effectiveness of municipal security personnel, or serenos.

The law reflects a concerted effort to bolster local security forces amidst growing public concern over safety and security. Recent statistics indicate a 30% increase in reported extortion cases nationwide in the past year,underscoring the urgency of these reforms.

Stricter Requirements for Aspiring Serenos

The amended law introduces a new Article 7-A to Law 31297, outlining specific prerequisites for individuals seeking to join the municipal serenazgo. These requirements are designed to ensure a higher caliber of personnel dedicated to public safety.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• valid National Identity Document (DNI) or equivalent.
• Minimum age of 18 years.
• Completion of secondary education.
• No criminal or judicial record.
• No prior convictions for malicious crimes.
• absence from the National Registry of Sanctions against Civil Servants (RNSSC).
• Not registered as a debtor.
• Compliance with alimony obligations (REDAM/REDRECI).
• possession of a driver’s license, if required by the service modality.
• Successful completion of public merit-based evaluations, including physical, psychological, and first aid assessments.

Enhanced Training and Oversight by the Ministry of Interior

A importent aspect of the new law involves enhanced oversight and standardization of serenazgo training programs. The ministry of Interior (Mininter) will play a crucial role in authorizing, certifying, and periodically inspecting training centers. This ensures that all serenos receive consistent and high-quality instruction.

For municipalities lacking sufficient resources, the law mandates that their serenazgo personnel receive training at centers certified by Mininter or the National police of Peru (PNP). This provision aims to address disparities in training quality across different regions.

The training and instruction provided by the National Police of Peru will be conducted at Higher Technical Schools located in the respective provinces, or in the Instruction Units of the Police Regions in provinces without such schools, subject to authorization from the National School of Police Professional Training.

Municipal Collaboration and Curriculum Updates

The legislation empowers municipalities to collaborate with public or private institutions to provide updated and enhanced training activities for their serenazgo forces. These activities can be conducted in person or remotely, following a curriculum approved by the Ministry of Interior.

Furthermore, the law modifies Article 11, focusing on the functions of training centers. The updated language emphasizes a more complete approach to serenazgo preparation:

Providing basic,comprehensive,specialized,and ongoing training to municipal serenos,oriented towards the acquisition of knowledge,the use of authorized defence means,and the improvement of physical and cognitive skills necessary for the adequate performance of their functions,according to ethical and moral principles.

Notably, the new law explicitly includes training in the use of authorized defense means, a provision absent in the previous legislation. It also emphasizes the improvement of physical and cognitive skills and mandates training in accordance with ethical and moral principles.

Integrating Retired Personnel and Firefighters

Similar to the 2021 law, the new standard includes a provision for incorporating retired personnel from the Armed Forces (FF.AA.) and the National Police into citizen security services. However, it expands this provision to include volunteer firefighters with at least 36 months of service in the General Volunteer fire Department of Peru.

The law stipulates that these individuals should comprise not less than 30% of the total serenazgo force, recognizing their training and experience in public order and citizen security. A bonus system is in place, offering a 10% bonus for active firefighters, a 20% bonus for FF.AA. personnel, and a 15% bonus for PNP personnel. Individuals retired due to disciplinary reasons or acts of corruption are excluded from this provision.