Police Reform 

WOLA has worked on issues related to public security and human rights in Central America for over 3 decades. Police reform was a central element of the peace processes in the region which required more modern, effective police forces which respected human rights and due process. As youth gang violence has emerged as a major problem in Central America, WOLA has begun to focus on the need for an effective response to gang violence that respects human rights and involves civil society and community groups. We coordinate our work with various NGO’s throughout the region who also see police reform as a strategic component of citizen security.