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Aid to Panama: Improving the Criminal Justice System

NSIAD-92-147 Published: May 12, 1992. Publicly Released: May 21, 1992.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed U.S. efforts to assist Panama in reforming its criminal justice system by: (1) developing professional police forces; (2) creating an independent judiciary; and (3) improving prison conditions.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of State Before a U.S. financial commitment to ICITAP is made for FY 1993, and for each FY thereafter, the Secretary of State should direct the U.S. Ambassador to Panama to obtain from the Panamanian government, a demonstration of Panama's resolve and capability to provide resources adequate to enable the program to succeed so that the U.S. government investment in the program will not be wasted.
Closed – Implemented
The U.S. Embassy in Panama City verifies annually that the host government commitment is enough to ensure the sustainability of the program.

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Topics

Correctional facilitiesFederal aid for criminal justiceForeign aid programsForeign economic assistanceForeign governmentsInternational relationsJudicial reformLaw enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement personnelPolice training