Inter-institutional Collaboration between the National Police and Municipal Administration Entities of Manizales as a Strategy for Crime Prevention

Abstract

This article reports on the research conducted by the Alejandro Gutiérrez Police Academy group, whose main objective is to analyze how to innovate police services for crime prevention through inter-institutional collaboration between the National Police and various entities operating in the city of Manizales. The methodological approach followed a mixed-methods design with a hypothetical-deductive scope, involving the participation of representatives from the National Police and municipal authorities, semi-structured interview techniques for information gathering, and document review. The main findings indicate that both members of the National Police and representatives of the municipal administration recognize the importance and necessity of coordinated work with local authorities to fulfill their mission, particularly with regard to the implementation of strategies and measures aimed at combating and preventing crime. In Manizales, there have been successful experiences when the National Police and the different municipal entities work together; however, it remains necessary to continue strengthening and reinforcing this collaborative work. Inter-institutional work (between the National Police and municipal administration entities) has the greatest impact on crime prevention, and it should involve pedagogical processes with different age groups and in various community settings, with the aim of training and raising awareness among different population groups.