Outgoing National Police Director Oscar Naranjo on Tuesday called for increasing cooperation among Latin American police agencies.
“While the world has incorporated the concept of globalization, the police still have challenges, and key among these challenges is the integration of logic. In America we find that the concept of sovereignty is tied to the concept of borders and this remains a paradigm of performance,” said Naranjo in a speech at the 10th Regional Conference of the International Association of Police Chiefs in Medellin.
Naranjo thanked police officers all over Latin America “who have sacrificed their lives to fulfill their duty,” but also emphasized the need for improved communication and joint action.
“We must move forward on an integration of logic, a fusion of ideals of unity and of purpose,” said the outgoing police director.
Naranjo’s speech was part of an event to honor his heroism and success during his 36 years of service, which will come to an end when he officially retires next Tuesday, June 12. It was attended by Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon and Interpol Director Khoo Boon Hui.
“General Naranjo next Tuesday will hang up his uniform and leave a very advanced institution full of accomplishments, his leadership helped to make our police an increasingly strong institution,” said Pinzon in a speech.
The Defense Minister also emphasized the positive qualities of the new National Police Director, Jose Roberto Leon Riano, who will take up the post when Naranjo leaves the post.
“General Leo is a man who as a police officer has been devoted to conceptualizing, designing much of the doctrine which today is recognized throughout the police world and I’m sure he will do very well,” said the defense minister.