POLICE VIOLENCE IN ARGENTINA

While torture by the police in Argentina is viewed as a serious problem by its citizens, and efforts have been made to curb its use, it is still widespread. A chief problem is the continuing system of impunity for officials all too familiar from the years under the dictatorship based upon intimidation of witnesses, lawyers and officials, upon inadequate management and disciplinary methods, and even upon the promotion of some officers who violate the law. Impunity exaggerates the distrust that citizens feel toward the government, leading them to suspect that officials have acted improperly and to mistrust any explanation that is given for official behavior, thus making it more difficult for the government to strengthen its legitimacy and institute reforms.