Expat Community > Panama

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5097

Panama's Top Cop Loses his Job

3 years ago

Gabriel Medina was only director of the National Police for three months and 23 days. The video in which Panamanian police officers show solidarity with their Colombian colleagues cost him his job.

Medina took office on January 28th of this year to replace Jorge Miranda, who retired.

On the night of Friday, May 21st, the country learned of Medina's removal through a statement from the Ministry of Public Security, which did not detail the reasons for the decision. However, the security agencies assure that the motive was the video, a fact that caused him recrimination from the Security Minister, Juan Pino as reported by the Panama newspaper, La Prensa.

The video in which Panamanian police officers show solidarity with their colleagues in Colombia, a country where the uniformed officers are accused of police excess as a result of the wave of protests.

Citizens expressed outrage at the video on Thursday, May 20, a day after it began to circulate. Article 311 of the Constitution came to light, which, among other things, states that the police will not be able to make political statements or statements individually or collectively. Some even called for the removal of the Minister of Public Security, Juan Pino, and Gabriel Medina, then director of the National Police (PN).

Sources from the security agencies reported that there were extensive meetings on Thursday, as Pino's order not to publish the video would have been disobeyed.

The news of the dismissal of Medina was released last Friday at 9:09 pm through the Twitter account of the Ministry of Security. The press release does not state the reasons for the dismissal, but the institution assured that the reason was the controversial video.

The National Police also told La Prensa that Medina was being questioned internally, because he had not fulfilled what was entrusted to him when he was handed over to command of the institution on January 28th: regulate and reform the Police, reduce its bureaucracy, depoliticize it and improve citizen care services.

One of the weak points of Medina's management was the increase in homicide cases in the months of 2021. Figures from the Public Ministry show that only in the first quarter of 2021, 134 murders were committed. The two sectors with the most cases were Panama and Colón, with 39 and 28 cases, respectively. However, in April, 50 homicides were committed in Colón, forcing the police authorities to initiate operations in the streets of that province.

Panama Oeste also made noise. Last April, 43 murders were reported in the area. It is estimated that 60% is related to drug trafficking activities or the war between gangs with the desire to seize the territories for the sale and distribution of narcotics.

The theft and robbery data also resonates despite the security controls resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Figures from the Public Ministry indicate that 2,676 thefts and 1,109 robberies have been reported so far in 2021.

Police have also been in the eye of the storm for acts of abuse of authority when making arrests. Recently, an agent was charged with planting a firearm in a woman's vehicle, a fact that is still under investigation.

You can view the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEAB-rzo3UU

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Panama

Panama's Top Cop Loses his Job

Login