Panama City municipal police legality dispute

A legal and political dispute has emerged in Panama regarding the constitutionality of a new municipal police force established in Panama City under Agreement 162.

Initially, the Supreme Court's Third Chamber faced a nullity suit from the Ministry of Public Security. A magistrate warned that the agreement might violate the Constitution by attempting to organize and assign functions to a police force through municipal regulation, a power reserved for national legislation. The challenge was motivated by violent incidents involving municipal agents and the scope of powers granted to the force, including searches and arrests.

The situation escalated as President José Raúl Mulino publicly opposed the force, arguing it was intended only for protecting parks and monuments rather than acting as a secondary police body. He also expressed concern that the force's uniforms could be confused with the Institutional Protection Service. While the Supreme Court recently declined one lawsuit from the National Police due to insufficient arguments, the judiciary continues to review whether municipal councils possess the constitutional authority to organize such services.