Supreme Court Admits Case Against "Pele Police" in Panama
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Supreme Court has admitted a case filed against the National Police over the use of random police checkpoints, and the use of the handheld "pele police" data units. The "pele police" systems are handheld data devices used by police officers on the street, which allows them to quickly and easily check to see if any person is wanted by the authorities for any reason. The ATTT even included traffic tickets and suspended driver's licenses in the system. This decision by the Supreme Court has a "suspension" effect, meaning the Director of the National Police Gustavo Perez will have to order his officers to stop using the "pele police" systems - as of right now - until the case is decided by the court. In addition, they will no longer be able to conduct random checkpoints in Panama City or in other areas around the country. A spokesman from the Judiciary reported this afternoon Director Perez has been notified of the decision. While detractors argue the "pele police" system and the random checkpoints constitute an illegal search, proponents argue these are tools and tactics used by the National Police to filter pedestrian and vehicular traffic, resulting in hundreds if not thousands of arrests of people who have been fugitives from justice, as well as the recovery of stolen vehicles and the arrest of criminals who were basically caught in the act.
Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.
