Ongoing audit uncovers police irregularities

An audit has  uncovered irregularities in the handling of police records says the  newly appointed head of the Directorate of Professional Responsibility (DRP) of the National Police.

Ramon Castellanos, revealed that anomalies were found dating back to 2008 and have not been resolved.

Castilian, who took office on  April 1, said he does not yet have details but the research is related to complaints of abuse of authority and alleged police corruption.

He said that some of these cases have been referred to the Public Ministry (MP).

Castellanos also reported the "analyzing" of promotions granted under the direction  of the previous  police chief,Gustavo Perez, but said that the revisions will not try to affect people who were favored with new appointments

"For now we will try to correct these situations, if any one was promoted and has a file open, we will try to do right," he said.

He cautioned that many factors have delayed the handling of records, including staff shortages and lack of interest by giving priority to certain cases.

He noted that the intention is that the institution regain confidence, to investigate impartially and eradicate the notion that " police officers are covered."

Castellanos was previously with  the Criminal Investigation Division of the Judicial Investigation Department.

He replaced Kauris Amador, who resigned in late March after the Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino, denounced alleged verbal threats that the troops would "close ranks" if he continued to push  a project that created an internal  investigation office.