Pedro Baltazar González

Executive Sub-Director
National Academy of Public Security, El Salvador
Focus Area(s)
Accountable Policing
Critical Tasks
Recruitment
Training
Interviewers
Flor Hunt
Country of Reform
El Salvador
Town/City
San Salvador
Place (Building/Street)
National Academy of Public Security
Country
El Salvador
Date of Interview
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Abstract

Pedro Baltazar González discusses two aspects related to the activities of the National Academy of Public Security: recruitment strategies, and training and modernization of the police force.  Underscoring the academy’s commitment to recruitment of young people with a vocation for public service—regardless of their initial skills—he describes a successful internal recruitment strategy based on referrals by current officers.  He identifies another media-aware recruitment strategy aimed at young people from eastern El Salvador, who are underrepresented among recruits due to the influence of relatives living abroad. The importance of this strategy is due to the negative impact of relocation of other academy graduates to the east in the absence of any personal ties to the region.  González then discusses a number of initiatives undertaken to modernize the curriculum at the academy, emphasizing a shift from theoretical instruction to practical work. Training addresses other changes in society, such as gender sensitivity issues and new judicial developments to keep up with changing demands from the populace.

Full Interview

87MB
Pedro Baltazar González Interview
Profile

At the time of the interview, Pedro Baltazar González was the executive sub-director of El Salvador's National Academy of Public Security. He began his career in the military, where he served for 10 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant.  After graduating from the academy, he worked as part of the elite forces, hostage-rescue and public-security units.  González served as sub-director general of the National Civil Police until 2006, when he left to work at the academy.

Keywords
community policing
incentive systems
media relations
training curriculum
recruitment
Not specified