Peruvian military to control prison access amid security crackdown

Peru's Armed Forces will assume control of access to four key prisons as part of a new strategy to bolster security within the correctional system. This initiative will involve military personnel from the Navy, Air Force, and Army conducting pre-entry inspections at the Sarita Colonia, Ancón I, Lurigancho, and Challapalca penitentiaries.

Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde announced that the inspections will apply to all authorized individuals, including prison staff, police officers, visitors, and other personnel. The primary goal is to establish an additional layer of security to prevent prohibited items from entering the facilities. The government also intends to procure body scanners and equipment for inspecting luggage and packages, drawing parallels to technology employed at U.S. airports.

Belaúnde explained that these scanners will be capable of detecting metals and other concealed items on individuals. The implementation of this enhanced security measure does not require legislative approval and can proceed through executive orders. The minister also voiced support for the executive branch's request for legislative powers from Congress, emphasizing its importance for internal security and addressing the El Niño phenomenon.