Argentina and Panama push prison reforms with tech upgrades

In Argentina, the provincial prison service is modernising the Chimbas penitentiary, installing AI‑enabled cameras, bag scanners and other high‑tech equipment. Director Carlos Suárez said the work on sector 5 is about 40 % complete and should be finished by the end of the year, with further projects for sectors 6 and modular systems underway to alleviate severe overcrowding of roughly 1,850 inmates.

In Panama, the new director of the prison system, Chanan Singh, has proposed replacing some in‑person visits with video calls. The plan, intended to improve security and reduce costs, has sparked debate. Critics warn it could infringe detainees’ rights unless participation remains voluntary and privacy safeguards are ensured. The proposal is being discussed alongside broader calls for professionalisation and anti‑corruption measures in the prison system.