President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella announced that a definitive matrix has been established to target insecurity points across the country, following the Urban Security Summit in Barranquilla. The gathering brought together nine municipal leaders to coordinate anti-crime strategies, with De La Espriella emphasizing that urban security blocks will operate directly alongside local governments and the Ministry of Defense.
Urban Security Blocks and Local Government Coordination
According to De La Espriella, urban security blocks represent a core priority for his incoming administration and will work in an articulated effort alongside the Public Force, the Ministry of Defense, and local municipal administrations. These units will also coordinate closely with rural security initiatives. “We are going to start with our security blocks,” De La Espriella stated. “We are going to articulate them and we are going to give results, because people are tired of speeches.” He further emphasized that security remains the foundational pillar of his government, noting that “without security there is no nada.”
The president-elect stated that the administration will utilize specific metrics to guide tactical deployments. “We are going to get to work with some meters that are going to make us very clear what needs to be done, where we need to adjust and what results are produced,” De La Espriella affirmed. He reiterated his commitment to delivering results and backing local officials, asserting that mayors throughout the nation “were abandoned” by past federal approaches.
Did You Know?
The Urban Security Summit in Barranquilla convened nine prominent mayors from across the country, including Carlos Fernando Galán of Bogotá, Federico Gutiérrez of Medellín, Alejandro Eder of Cali, Alejandro Char of Barranquilla, Dumek Turbay Paz of Cartagena, Jorge Acevedo of Cúcuta, Cristian Portilla of Bucaramanga, Johana Ximena Aranda of Ibagué, and Julián Sánchez of Soacha.
Mayoral Participation and Administrative Support
Municipal leaders at the Barranquilla summit received praise from the president-elect for maintaining city operations without prior federal backing. “I think about what these mayors and this beautiful mayor (Johana Ximena Aranda of Ibagué) have done in their cities, despite not having the support of the national government, it is extraordinary what we are going to be able to do by articulating the work between the national government and local governments,” De La Espriella said.
Expert Insight
In a related personnel announcement, De La Espriella confirmed plans to reinstate General Jesús Alejandro Barrera to serve as Director of the National Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the Urban Security Summit in Barranquilla?
The summit included nine mayors: Carlos Fernando Galán (Bogotá), Federico Gutiérrez (Medellín), Alejandro Eder (Cali), Alejandro Char (Barranquilla), Dumek Turbay Paz (Cartagena), Jorge Acevedo (Cúcuta), Cristian Portilla (Bucaramanga), Johana Ximena Aranda (Ibagué), and Julián Sánchez (Soacha).
What role will the urban security blocks play?
According to De La Espriella, the urban security blocks will work in an articulated labor effort involving the Ministry of Defense, the Public Force, local administrations, and rural security operations to deliver concrete anti-crime results.
Who has been designated to lead the Police?
President-elect Abelardo De La Espriella announced that he will reintegrate General Jesús Alejandro Barrera to serve as Director of the Police.
How do you think increased coordination between national security forces and local mayors will impact crime rates in your city?