Overview
- The state of emergency covering Lima and Callao was not renewed and expired on February 19, lifting restrictions such as two riders on a motorcycle and certain prison controls.
- President José María Balcázar has not addressed the lapse directly, saying only that he seeks real pacification and capable ministries for public safety.
- Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo is pushing for a presidency-backed citizen security czar and a National Secretariat to coordinate municipalities, prosecutors, judges and the penitentiary system.
- Reggiardo also proposes a municipal police to handle traffic and minor crimes so the National Police can focus on investigations and serious offenses, citing comparative studies with Madrid and Buenos Aires.
- He requested the final text of the national security plan from the Justice Minister and criticized the preliminary draft as “more of the same,” while regional leaders in La Libertad urged stronger action and flagged a shortfall of about 3,000 police officers.