A new law aimed at strengthening Ecuador's penitentiary system was approved by the National Assembly, with notable reforms and strategies for operational improvements.
The Organic Reform Law for strengthening the penitentiary system was approved on March 17, 2026, during the second debate in the plenary of the National Assembly of Ecuador. This law was processed through the Security Committee and reformulates the Organic Code of Citizen Security and Public Order. With a vote of 84 in favor, 62 against, and 2 abstentions, it reflects substantial legislative support despite some opposition.
Among the key proposals of this law are the establishment of penitentiary intelligence, addressing the real operational deficit of penitentiary guides by temporarily incorporating retired police and military personnel. It also emphasizes the training and professionalization of penitentiary guides, setting specific entrance requirements for this profession. Additionally, the law grants penitentiary guides the legitimate use of force, provides for the reclassification of inmates under certain parameters, and authorizes prisoners to work to meet their needs, potentially improving their reintegration into society.
The law received backing from members of the ruling party, Acción Democrática, indicating a concerted effort to tackle the ongoing challenges faced in the Ecuadorian penitentiary system. This legislative initiative aims not only at better managing the prisons but also at addressing issues related to security, human rights, and the overall effectiveness of the correctional system, marking a significant step in reforming Ecuador's approach to incarceration and inmate management.
