Overview
- The Interior Ministry enacted Supreme Decree No. 015-2025-IN allowing municipal patrols to carry electric pistols and requiring body-worn cameras that record interventions continuously.
- Use of electroshock devices is limited to personnel who pass physical and psychological evaluations, and municipalities are barred from hiring serenos with criminal or judicial records.
- The ministry has 60 to 90 days to issue a technical manual that will set camera specifications and define use-of-force protocols.
- Mayors including Cinthia Loayza of Surquillo and Mónica Tello of Pueblo Libre warn the measure may conflict with the Municipalities Law and urge gradual implementation tied to training.
- Officials note the Economy and Finance Ministry has not authorized dedicated funding, as supporters such as the Association of Serenos and Surco mayor Carlos Bruce back the move, while Magdalena del Mar mayor Francis Allison cautions about potential excesses.