An ethnographic study conducted over seven years has identified alleged networks for the commercialization of courses, certificates, and benefits within Paraguay's National Police. The research, led by criminology doctor Juan Martens, points to the existence of informal negotiation mechanisms that would affect the training and career progression of officers.
During an interview with radio station 1080 AM, Martens stated that an internal logic was detected where administrative and training processes become spaces for economic exchange. "In the Police, everything has a price, or if it doesn't, they invent one," declared the specialist, describing a phenomenon he considers structural.
The criminologist detailed that, for the promotion of non-commissioned officers, a parallel system to the official courses would have developed. In this scheme, some individuals in charge would offer "complete packages" that would include attending classes, the preparation of practical work, and the fulfillment of all requirements without the officer needing to effectively attend. "The complete package includes not attending the courses, having your attendance marked, having the practical work done, and only needing to show up on graduation day," explained Martens.
These practices would not be limited to a single hierarchical level but would extend across various instances of the institution, including the assignment of functions at border control posts and other operational designations. Martens questioned the role of the Higher Institute of Police Education (ISEP), which has university status, arguing that the lack of effective controls would allow the consolidation of these irregularities.
As a consequence, the study warns of the training of police officers who possess titles and certificates but not the necessary competencies to perform the functions those documents attest to. The research, which involved the collaboration of personnel who remained anonymous for security reasons, aims to highlight problems that undermine the professionalization of the police and public trust in security.