The Ministry of the Interior (Mingob) appointed Luis José Juárez Bolaños, replacing Sergio Vela, whose departure has not been explained by the authorities.
According to an official statement, Juárez Bolaños was sworn by the Minister of the Interior, Francisco Jiménez.
His work will be key in the process of transformation of penitentiary management and in strengthening security controls in prison centers in the country, says the Mingob.
The interior portfolio stressed that Juárez Bolaños has experience in prison management, public administration, political analysis, prevention of armed violence, institutional relations and community programs for the prevention of violence and crime.
In addition, he has a Master in Public Security from the Galileo University, a Master in Public Management and Leadership from the University of the West and a Bachelor of Political Science from the Rafael Landívar University.
Jiménez said that the appointment of Juárez Bolaños responds to his previous work in the SP and his extensive career in security issues.
During the morning, Juárez Bolaños directed a requirement in a criminal center in Zacapa, where firearms and mobile devices were seized, the official said.
The Vice Minister of Security, Claudia Palencia, also expressed its support for the new director and highlighted the work carried out at the Renewal Ide detention Center, as well as in the implementation of operational strategies from the General Inspectoría of the SP.
With this appointment, I thank Minister Jiménez for the continuity in the work that we have promoted from the Vice -Spanish in my charge, Palencia said.
After the act of swear, the authorities held a meeting to define strategic actions aimed at the institutional recovery of the SP.
Among the issues addressed highlighted the acquisition of technological equipment, the strengthening of security measures in prisons – to prevent the entry of illicit objects – the telephone signal blockage and the continuous professionalization of prison personnel.
Regarding the dismissal of Sergio Vela, the Ministry pointed out that there is a “natural wear of that position”, although its departure occurs after the former official disseminated information related to the perforation of a tunnel in the prison of Puerto Barrios, where, as he affirmed last Monday, a leakage plan was forged.
“The changes in the teams are designed to refresh and reinforce certain areas. It is undeniable that the sailing work has been very good. But there is a natural wear of that position,” says Governance.