INTERVIEW | Athenalab Researcher: "We must be cautious when involving the military in public security matters"

“We need to create the right spaces and functions for the military to operate correctly,” states security, drug trafficking, and defense expert Pilar Lizana in #FuturoPQN.

Following the various public reports from 2022 by the metropolitan regional prosecutors of the East, West, South, and North Central regions, data was revealed showing an increase in homicides, sexual offenses, and thefts in the metropolitan region. In 2022, 523,588 cases were filed in the metropolitan region, representing an 11% increase compared to 2021. The leading crimes are thefts at 38%, robberies at 33%, sexual offenses at 27%, and homicides at 21%.

What do you think of the data provided by the prosecutor’s office?

“These were data we were expecting. There is a significant rise in these crimes, particularly homicides. We are seeing much more violence and a change in the way we understand its development. We are observing structures and types of organization that did not exist before. For example, carjackings. In these cases, minors and hired individuals are used for such functions. I am particularly struck by the 46% increase involving firearms; that is tremendous,” says Pilar Lizana.

What type of modus operandi do the gangs that commit thefts have?

“We are seeing this crime with greater frequency. It is not limited to specific dates and places like malls. Now, if we look at other countries, this was indeed happening in Brazil. However, it was associated with larger criminal gangs. We need to consider whether robbery techniques and foreign organization have arrived. It is important to monitor the evolution to determine if these are organized criminal groups. We must keep an eye on these types of crimes and not let anything slip by,” indicates the Athenalab researcher.

Do you feel that progress is being made in reaching a consensus?

“It is multifactorial. There are technical and political aspects. The President, with the support of the Ministry of the Interior, is the driver of the country’s security. There are several factors we must combine to reach agreements. It is important that we can advance in these issues politically and provide concrete solutions,” affirms Pilar Lizana.

What makes us weaker?

“During 2022, we conducted research focused on criminal economies. That question about the factors that make us weak relates to the weaknesses of the State. For example, the regression of the rule of law in certain strategic areas: the border. It is impossible to control the entire territory, but mechanisms can be established. Another case is the south, with the theft and sale of timber. There are areas in Santiago where the Carabineros do not enter. If we think about organized crime and there is a void left by the State, it will be a place where crime and these organizations operate,” assures the Athenalab researcher.

What other factors are there in more concrete terms?

“Low penalties are a factor. The enforcement of such crimes creates barriers to the advancement of criminal activities. Another case is the highways, such as Route 5. We also need to pay attention to traffic controls,” asserts.

Can the approval of the critical infrastructure law contribute positively?

“Our system is not overwhelmed. We must be cautious when involving the military in public security matters. We need to have all elements on the table. In that case, we must create the right spaces and functions for the military to operate correctly,” concludes Athenalab researcher Pilar Lizana.

Source: Futuro.cl