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Barbara Paola Cedillo Lopez

This course is aimed at actors and public officials working in the area of citizen security in Latin American and Caribbean countries who are responsible for the design, management and evaluation of public policies for coexistence and citizen security.

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What's inside

Syllabus

In this module, we will explore modern policing trends. Many of the characteristics of current policing organizations face a significant challenge, as the global emergence of civil society has led to fundamental changes in the nature and organization of the police. Specifically, we will address the preventive and investigative role of the police, as well as current policing trends and policing reforms in LAC.
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6. Access to justice and social reintegration
Start Here
In this section, we will identify the objectives, structure, evaluations, and orientation material of the course. We will review the objectives that you will achieve after successfully completing the course; we will share the link to the participant’s guide, a document that we suggest you consult frequently, as it will be your navigation guide for the course; you will identify the way you will be evaluated and you will get to know the instructors of the course and the design team. To finish, we invite you to answer an initial survey.
1. Citizen security as public policy
In this module, we will look at the overall picture of crime and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and the relevance of actions taken to prevent them. First, we will establish the extent of crime in the region by comparing international figures, the characteristics of victims and their aggressors, and levels of victimization and insecurity perception. Second, we will look at the most frequent explanations given for crime. Third, we will discuss those strategies for crime control and prevention that have achieved results, those that have failed, and those that are promising.
2. Governance and management
In this module, we will review the concepts of governability, governance, and institutionality and how they work in practice, looking at coordination mechanisms at the national and local levels, and across sectors, and considering the key principles of coordination, transversality, comprehensiveness, and focus.
3. Information and evaluation systems
In this module, we will discuss the relevance of using information for decision-making and citizen security public policy. We will discuss the different types of sources of information and the concepts of diagnostics, monitoring, and evaluation. The different types of indicators used to measure results at the different phases of program implementation will be explained. Characteristics of the different methods for evaluating citizen security programs will be described, along with their suitability and viability.
4. Prevention of youth violence and violence against women
In this module, we will explore the different concepts associated with violence prevention in vulnerable populations, detailing the various groups considered vulnerable. Specifically, we will go into depth on the theories, different approaches, and modalities for addressing and intervening to prevent violence against women and youth crime and violence. For both groups, we will discuss promising experiences and evaluation systems that are appropriate for these types of programs.
5. Police modernization
This module covers international standards and institutional frameworks for access to criminal justice, focusing on vulnerable groups and promising practices in justice access, alternative conflict resolution, restorative justice, and criminal mediation. It also addresses theoretical models and frameworks for the social reintegration of incarcerated individuals, highlighting successful reintegration practices and evaluation systems, including measures of criminal recidivism.
7.1 Final steps

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Addresses citizen security as a public policy, which is highly relevant for public officials in Latin America and the Caribbean
Explores governance and management concepts, which are essential for effective public policy implementation in the region
Examines information and evaluation systems, which are crucial for data-driven decision-making in citizen security initiatives
Discusses the prevention of youth violence and violence against women, which are critical issues in Latin American and Caribbean countries
Covers police modernization, which is a key aspect of improving citizen security and justice management in the region
Addresses access to justice and social reintegration, which are important components of a comprehensive citizen security strategy

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Leaders in Citizen Security and Justice Management with these activities:
Review 'Broken Windows: The Police and Neighborhood Safety'
Understand the theoretical underpinnings of proactive policing strategies.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Broken Windows'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the core arguments.
  • Summarize the main points and criticisms.
Review Crime Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean
Familiarize yourself with current crime trends and statistics in the LAC region.
Browse courses on Crime Statistics
Show steps
  • Search for recent reports from organizations like the UNODC and the World Bank.
  • Analyze the data to identify key trends and patterns.
  • Note any significant changes or disparities.
Compile a List of Citizen Security Programs in LAC
Gain a broader understanding of the types of citizen security programs being implemented in the region.
Show steps
  • Research different citizen security programs in LAC countries.
  • Categorize the programs by type (e.g., prevention, policing, justice).
  • Briefly describe the goals and activities of each program.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Policing Reforms with Peers
Share insights and learn from others' perspectives on policing reforms in the LAC region.
Show steps
  • Organize a virtual meeting with other course participants.
  • Share your understanding of policing reforms.
  • Discuss the challenges and successes of these reforms.
Create a Presentation on Youth Violence Prevention
Deepen your understanding of youth violence prevention strategies by creating a presentation.
Show steps
  • Research different approaches to youth violence prevention.
  • Develop a presentation outlining the key strategies.
  • Include examples of successful programs in the LAC region.
  • Present your findings to other course participants.
Review 'Violence Without Borders: The Expansion of Criminal Violence in Latin America'
Expand your understanding of the regional dimensions of criminal violence.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Violence Without Borders'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the transnational aspects of violence.
  • Identify the key drivers of cross-border crime.
Design a Citizen Security Program Evaluation Framework
Apply your knowledge of evaluation systems to design a framework for evaluating a citizen security program.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific type of citizen security program.
  • Define the program's goals and objectives.
  • Develop indicators to measure the program's impact.
  • Outline a plan for collecting and analyzing data.

Career center

Learners who complete Leaders in Citizen Security and Justice Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Public Policy Analyst
A public policy analyst examines and evaluates government policies and programs. This course, designed for public officials in Latin America and the Caribbean, helps a public policy analyst understand frameworks and best practices. It can greatly aid in analyzing effectiveness of citizen security initiatives. A focus on crime prevention, governance, and evaluation methods would help an analyst develop well-informed recommendations. The course’s material is crucial to developing an understanding of how to analyze public policy.
Program Manager
Program managers oversee the development and implementation of specific initiatives, often within a government or nonprofit setting. The course, designed to help professionals in the area of citizen security, helps a program manager understand how to manage programs. The course's focus on governance, evaluation systems, and crime prevention helps a program manager plan and execute effective strategies. The course also covers relevant best practices for initiatives focused on vulnerable populations and violence reduction programs, which would be helpful in the management of a program.
Community Organizer
Community organizers work directly with residents in a certain area in order to effect positive change, often working with communities in the area of citizen security. The course's focus on citizen security as public policy is of use to a community organizer, who should be well versed in policy. A community organizer would also benefit from studying the course's material on violence prevention, justice access, and social reintegration, as those topics are important for building community relationships. A community organizer may find the practical focus and local emphasis of this course helpful.
Criminal Justice Consultant
A criminal justice consultant provides expert advice to organizations working within the criminal justice system. This course, which is designed for public officials working in citizen security, may be useful to a consultant to help build an understanding of public policy and crime prevention. The course's discussion of information systems and program evaluation methods may be particularly useful to a criminal justice consultant. The content on police modernization and access to justice would provide a good foundation for advising on reforms.
Social Worker
Social workers focus on helping individuals, families, and communities to cope with issues that affect their wellbeing. This course may be useful to help social workers understand the larger systems that impact their clients, especially concerning violence prevention. The course's content about vulnerable populations, access to justice, and social reintegration may help those in social work to develop effective support programs and to advocate for their clients. The study of violence against women and youth crime would greatly benefit a social worker.
Policy Advisor
Policy advisors provide counsel to government officials and others on the development of new initiatives and legislation. This course, with its focus on public policy and citizen security, may be helpful to a policy advisor by providing a framework for analyzing policy efficacy. The course's teaching on governance and management, as well as methods for program evaluation, helps build a foundation for advising on policy design. Specifically, the course helps the advisor understand the current trends and challenges related to citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Research Analyst
A research analyst designs and conducts studies to gather and interpret data. This course may be useful to a research analyst focused on citizen security public policy, as the course teaches the importance of using data for decision making. A research analyst may also find the course content related to information systems and program evaluation helpful in designing and evaluating research. The material on crime prevention, and on social reintegration would aid a research analyst working in this area.
Law Enforcement Officer
A law enforcement officer works to protect the public, maintain order, and enforce laws. This course, which focuses on modern policing trends and reforms, may be useful to an officer looking to broaden their understanding. The course's content on preventive and investigative roles, as well as the material on vulnerable populations and justice access, may be used for community policing and building trust. The course will help a law enforcement officer become more informed in their field.
International Development Specialist
International development specialists work on projects designed to improve living conditions and strengthen institutions in developing nations. This course, which specifically focuses on public security in Latin America and the Caribbean, may be useful to an international development specialist working in that region. Through this course, an international development specialist can gain a deeper understanding of citizen security issues, policy, and program evaluation. Its focus on governance, crime prevention, and justice access directly relates to challenges commonly addressed in international development projects.
Nonprofit Manager
A nonprofit manager oversees the operations and programs of a nonprofit organization. This course, with its coverage of governance, program management, and information systems, may be useful to a nonprofit manager, especially one focused on social welfare. The course's focus on citizen security, particularly in the area of violence prevention, may be helpful in developing and evaluating programs. The course would benefit a nonprofit manager working in the area of citizen security.
Urban Planner
An urban planner works to develop land use plans and policies for a certain area, and has to consider public safety. Though this course's primary focus is not urban planning, the course's focus on citizen security and governance may be useful for understanding the relationship between crime and urban design. The course's content on violence prevention and community safety, as well as its public policy focus, would supplement the urban planner’s knowledge. The course would help an urban planner improve their work.
Victim Advocate
A victim advocate supports individuals who have experienced crime, often working within a legal or social service context. The course focus on justice, social reintegration and violence prevention may be useful to a victim advocate. The material on vulnerable populations and violence specifically against women would benefit a victim advocate by creating a deeper understanding of the issues their clients may face, helping them provide more effective support. This course’s focus on citizen security would give them further context for their work.
Government Relations Officer
A government relations officer works to establish and maintain relationships between an organization and government entities, and must understand the government's perspective. This course, designed for public officials working in citizen security, may be helpful to a government relations officer by providing an understanding of the public policy and governance issues. The course’s focus on citizen security issues and crime prevention strategies provides context for navigating government relationships, as well information on justice systems may be beneficial for their work.
Political Analyst
A political analyst studies political systems, policies, and trends, offering insight into the workings of government. While this course focuses on citizen security in Latin America and the Caribbean, the course's focus on governance and public policy is beneficial to the work of a political analyst. A political analyst should understand citizen security policies and this course can provide context. This course may help a political analyst understand decision-making in the context of citizen security.
Corrections Officer
A corrections officer works within a correctional facility, overseeing individuals who have been incarcerated. This course, while not directly focused on corrections management, has sections that may be useful to a corrections officer. Specifically, the parts that deal with social reintegration, justice access, and vulnerable populations may be helpful in the officer's line of work, providing a wider context. The focus on public policy will help a corrections officer become more informed.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Leaders in Citizen Security and Justice Management.
Introduces the 'broken windows' theory, which posits that visible signs of crime and civil disorder create an environment that encourages further crime. Understanding this theory is crucial for public officials designing citizen security policies. It provides a framework for proactive policing and community engagement strategies, which are central themes in the course. While debated, it's a foundational text in modern policing.
Examines the transnational nature of criminal violence in Latin America. It explores the factors that contribute to the spread of violence across borders and the challenges of addressing it. This book is valuable for understanding the complex dynamics of citizen security in the region. It provides a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of crime and the need for regional cooperation.

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