Implementation of public policies to prevent violence in the municipality of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: civil society involvement through community leadership.

Abstract

The  aim of this research is to analyze the incidence of community leaders in the implementation of public policies, focused on violence prevention and based on civil society involvement. The analysis has focused on three relevant categories: i) Transparency, ii) Accountability, and iii) Governance. The priority character of this objectives is emphasized  if we consider two elements: i) Corruption, which has been identified by  Mexicans as the second major problem in the country ; and ii) a huge public investment destined to the prevention of crime in a municipality that has been overwhelmed by violence, generated by  drug cartels power struggle. Conclusions emphasize the importance of including community leaders in the integral process of public policies,  as it guarantees at least governmental legitimacy, certainty in the destination of the  public fund and strengthening of social capacities.