Panama's Municipal Police Powers Challenged in Supreme Court Lawsuit

Panama City, Panama – The authority of Panama's Municipal Police is facing a significant legal challenge, reigniting debate over its powers to conduct searches, apprehensions, and preventive detentions. This discussion intensified after the Supreme Court of Justice accepted a nullity lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Security against the municipal agreement that governs the police force's functions.

Former capital mayor José Isabel Blandón asserts that the creation of the Municipal Police, as approved by the Municipality of Panama, contravenes the Constitution. He points out that the Constitution mandates that police services be organized by law, which is approved by the National Assembly. Blandón contrasts this with the former Municipal Vigilance Service, which had distinct duties focused on safeguarding municipal property and facilities.

Blandón criticizes the current administration for transforming this service into a Municipal Police force with a structure mirroring state security agencies. He notes the incorporation of ranks, hierarchies, and personnel transferred from bodies like the National Border Service (Senafront). According to Blandón, the municipal force has assumed functions that exclusively belong to the National Police. He also questions the deployment of some personnel for motorized patrols, arguing they should focus on surveillance within municipal parks, markets, libraries, and sports facilities.

The legal dispute specifically targets a nullity lawsuit filed by Argentina Barrera, director of Legal Advisory for the Ministry of Security. The lawsuit challenges the municipal regulations that grant municipal agents powers to conduct searches, make arrests, execute preventive detentions, and use force, authorities the Ministry of Security deems the exclusive domain of legally established bodies. The demand also objects to the creation of ranks and hierarchies similar to those in public security forces, including sub-officer and officer levels, and a leadership structure with a director and deputy director.

While a previous unadmitted unconstitutionality action existed, Blandón believes the core issue remains constitutional. He advises citizens facing intervention by the Municipal Police to avoid confrontation and report any alleged abuses through legal channels.