Custodial Police Officers are recognized

Juan Mauro Gonzalez Martinez, Secretary of Security and Peace, noted the work done by the women and men who work in the 11 Centers for Prevention and Social Reintegration (Ceprereso), and guarantee the rule of law

38 awards for Spirit of Service and Self-Improvement were presented, and a demonstration by the K9 Canine Unit was also presented

Guanajuato/Gto News

They don’t patrol the streets or participate in operations, but every day they make decisions that maintain order, protect people’s safety, and make social reintegration possible. These are the custodial police officers of the Guanajuato Penitentiary System. 

In commemoration of Custodial Police Officer Day, the Ministry of Security and Peace recognized the commitment, discipline, and dedication to service of the women and men who carry out this responsibility in the 11 Social Prevention and Reintegration Centers (Cepreresos) in Guanajuato. 

Juan Mauro Gonzalez Martinez, Secretary of Security and Peace, acknowledged his professional and humane actions with people deprived of their liberty.

“When we talk about security, we usually think about what happens outside: patrols, operations, and arrests. However, security is also built from within our prisons, on every shift, on every round, and in every decision that is made with responsibility,” said Gonzalez at the event held at the Ceprereso soccer field in Guanajuato. 

At the ceremony, 38 awards were presented: 36 for Spirit of Service, one for Excellence in Service, and one to the canine unit. The Secretary of Security and Peace specifically highlighted the work of Diana Ventura and Alberto Balderas, who this year received the Penitentiary Merit Medal, a national award that recognizes public servants in this field. 

“Often, a good outcome consists precisely in nothing happening. When a center operates in an orderly fashion, when a crisis is avoided, when governance is maintained, or when a risky situation is resolved promptly, few people ask who made it possible,” said Gonzalez Martinez.  

The Director General of the Penitentiary System, Julio Cesar Perez, acknowledged that the work of the guards transcends

surveillance and becomes a figure of accompaniment during the processes of social reintegration. 

“Your work transcends borders. Each of you represents a refuge for many inmates who see you as a figure of inspiration. Our organization is important because it reintegrates people deprived of their liberty; it is not about correcting, but about transforming,” said Perez. 

The K9 Canine Unit of the Penitentiary System gave a demonstration of the work of the canine teams, with exercises in obedience, protection, and narcotics search. 

Before the ceremony concluded, a single voice united the pride and identity of the force. The Penitentiary System’s rallying cry resonated among the correctional officers: “Penitentiary System, courage, honor, and service. Correctional officers, always loyal, always strong. We all go in, we all go out.” The phrase reaffirmed what they do daily with commitment, vocation, and teamwork.

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