The United Nations and reform of the police in El Salvador

Abstract

As an integral part of the 1992 Peace Accords for ending conflict in El Salvador, radical reform of the civilian policing has virtually involved the creation of a new, non‐political police force. In spite of resistance to reform, including attempts by the armed forces to retain a public security role, the achievements have been impressive in terms of replacing former security bodies, generating public confidence, greater respect for human rights and improved training. This has been possible because of the political recognition in El Salvador of the essential need for reform and because the Peace Accords provided clear guidelines and a timetable for change. The UN and the international community have also played a key role in assisting the transition, particularly in establishing a training academy, providing technical assistance and verifying the implementation of the Accords. However, the El Salvador experience also offers lessons, including the need for political leadership by the UN in integrating and ...