“We support the Police, there is no mistrust or prejudice. It is there to prevent and repress crime, and we are having good results”, emphasized the Minister of the Interior, Luis Alberto Heber. In addition, he valued that in the last Rendering of Accounts the budget of the portfolio was reinforced with 23 million dollars to build and renovate prisons and increase the video surveillance system in various parts of the country.
The Secretary of State presented, this Tuesday 2, a balance of management and objectives in terms of public security, in the dissertation organized by the Association of Marketing Leaders of Uruguay, accompanied by the secretary and the deputy secretary of the Presidency, Álvaro Delgado and Rodrigo Ferres; the Minister of National Defense, Javier García, and the Undersecretary of the Interior, Guillermo Maciel.
In his oratory, he commented that implementing changes in public security was one of the main objectives since the beginning of the Government period, beginning with Jorge Larrañaga at the head of the corresponding state portfolio.
At that point, he highlighted the support of President Lacalle Pou and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Azucena Arbeleche, who in the last Rendering of Accounts reinforced the budget of the Ministry of the Interior, with 23 million dollars.
Heber indicated that this money will be used to build or finish works in penitentiary centers. In this sense, he exemplified by mentioning the reconstruction of modules in the Santiago Vázquez unit and in Punta de Rieles, in Montevideo; new penitentiary centers in Tacuarembó and Artigas, as well as the expansion of the devices located in Salto, Melo and Rocha.
Likewise, he recalled that three penitentiary centers will be built within the premises of Unit No. 3 of Libertad, to obtain 1,500 additional places.
He also explained that investments will be made to have more technology, such as helicopters, drones and video surveillance cameras, in coordination with the monitoring centers of the departmental administrations. With these inputs, it is intended to shore up the facial recognition system.
In his speech, Heber assured that the first change is that public security is a priority for the Government and the country. In addition, he alluded to the fact that the Urgent Consideration Law provided greater legal support and dignity to police personnel.
In this sense, he certified that there is an increase in patrols, greater controls throughout the territory and decentralization of the High Operational Dedication Program, through the revitalization and mobilization of troops, as well as the opening of 114 police stations and detachments that were closed.
The minister reported that 1,700 domestic violence ankle bracelets were leased, a figure that is expected to increase, and valued that there is a good relationship with the Judiciary and the Prosecutor’s Office.
About the end, he recalled the agreement reached with the police workers for the increase in wages. On this point, he argued that it is fair, since the aforementioned officials are risking their lives. He also announced that the police housing plan will be modified and expanded.
