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Police Launch Anti-Gang Program in Over 220 Panamanian Schools
🇵🇦 Panama /Crime & Justice

Police Launch Anti-Gang Program in Over 220 Panamanian Schools

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Panama's National Police are implementing a program in over 220 schools to prevent adolescent recruitment by gangs.
  • The initiative, called GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training), aims to equip vulnerable youth with decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Police are also conducting "Operation Impact" around schools to identify and deter individuals attempting to recruit students, with a focus on Panama and Colón provinces.

Panama's National Police are actively working to shield adolescents from gang influence through a preventative program rolled out in more than 220 schools nationwide. The initiative aims to deter gang recruitment and provide young people with tools for peaceful conflict resolution.

This program aims to provide these adolescents who are in vulnerable situations with tools, such as making good decisions, peaceful conflict resolution, and that closeness also with the National Police; so they know they can count on us always.

— Captain Kevin StaffHe explained the objectives of the GREAT program being implemented in schools.

The program, known as GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training), is designed to empower vulnerable students. Captain Kevin Staff of the Police's Juvenile and Adolescent Unit explained that the program focuses on teaching good decision-making skills and fostering a sense of trust and connection with law enforcement.

Staff described the incidents of gang-related activity in schools as isolated but cautioned students about the severe lifelong consequences of joining gangs. He highlighted that individuals as young as 12 can be placed under the jurisdiction of authorities if involved with gangs.

Do not be led astray by gangs, do not be led astray by this system that functions in Panama, as it only takes 12 years to be placed at the orders of the competent authorities. It is a fact that it will mark you for life.

— Captain Kevin StaffHe warned adolescents about the consequences of getting involved with gangs.

In parallel, the "Operation Impact" initiative is underway, targeting areas within and surrounding educational institutions. This operation seeks to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to recruit students. Captain Staff noted that while cases are concentrated in Panama and Colón provinces, they include student brawls. He urged parents to maintain constant supervision and reinforce positive values.

The National Police carried out Operation Impact nationwide, not only within educational institutions but also in the peripheries and surroundings, seeking to dismantle any criminal who is trying to recruit any young person or adolescent.

— Captain Kevin StaffHe described the scope and purpose of the police operation around schools.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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