Bertha Alcalde, the promise of autonomy
Bertha María Alcalde Luján assured that if she is elected to the position, the justice institution will have autonomy.
“Let there be no doubt, (a priority) is to guarantee the institutional autonomy of the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office. What does this mean to guarantee autonomy? First, a prosecution on equal terms is required, without taking into account issues… social, economic, and political differences,” she stated when interviewed by the Justice Administration and Prosecution Commission.
Mayor takes a stand after some members of the Citizen Judicial Council questioned her ability to act independently and without a conflict of interest. She is a sister because she is the sister of Luisa María Alcalde Luján, national president of Morena.
“Being able to work without pressure of any kind, neither from de facto powers, nor from constituted powers: the Executive, the Legislative, both at the local and federal level, but also from interest groups that have also had some influence for many years, especially prior to the creation of the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office,” he said.
The Mayor pointed out his objectives of heading the capital’s Prosecutor’s Office: improving service times, giving the staff of the Public Ministries the minimum tools such as functional vehicles, gasoline and computers with internet access, as well as the strategic use of resources according to the Criminal Policy and the Criminal Prosecution Program.
He explained that he will focus on bringing priority crimes to trial and the use of restorative justice and alternative solutions will be prioritized. “Restorative justice cannot be seen as an act of impunity,” he stated.
The Mayor considered that although the trend in the country has focused on strengthening the police, the Prosecutor’s Offices have been left aside, which is why he proposed that in the city elements of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) can carry out investigations into crimes. high impact, not only those related to organized crime.
Anaid Valero, the opportunity of digital reporting
Anaid Elena Valero Manzano, a lawyer with experience in the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), indicated that crime causes damage equivalent to 33 billion pesos each year.
The candidate to head the city Prosecutor’s Office stated that priority groups will be attended to, including boys and girls as well as women.
“This institution is going to be in charge of giving attention to priority groups that in this sense also often present obstacles when filing a complaint, this institution is going to ensure that no culprit goes unpunished,” he indicated.
Valero considered it an opportunity to take advantage of the potential of digital reporting, which can be achieved by making the process clearer and simpler, as well as not necessarily requiring the victim to confirm their report in person when this is not necessary.
Likewise, it will seek to bring the Prosecutor’s Office closer to citizens through digital media such as social networks.
“What would happen if the Prosecutor’s Office had that closeness to the inhabitants of the city? They would see the institution differently. The institution is not in conflict with the inhabitants of the city, on the contrary, they must trust the institution, they must feel that it is an institution that works,” he considered.
The candidate also proposed the installation of mobile reporting modules that are already applied in Guadalajara.
Valero maintained that autonomy is essential so that Public Ministries can carry out their work adequately.
“I would establish it as a principle that must govern the institution, it is even already contemplated within the Organic Law but make it effective and material. The autonomy will allow the people of the Public Ministry to decide with a legal criterion that is duly founded and supported by them. The prosecutor must feel this support from the institution, but he will only have this if he knows that he is investigating correctly,” he said.
