2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

19th Edition

Phase 4 of 8

Results open vote 28/03/2025 - 31/03/2025

Process phases

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Guayas Province: Safe Routes Project

Official proposal

06/02/2025 17:45

Accepted

"Guayas Segura" (Safe Guayas) was an integrated citizen security model based on community participation, interinstitutional coordination, and the operational strengthening of the National Police. In the context of growing insecurity in the province of Guayas, the Prefecture (provincial government) launched this project to complement the actions of the central government, promoting strategies for prevention, social cohesion, and logistical support for law enforcement.

The project included the implementation of seven "Manzanas del Cuidado" (Care Blocks), with 3,000 active caregivers and over 5,000 services provided to support vulnerable populations. More than 4,000 children and young people participate in football and chess schools, promoting social integration and keeping them away from risky environments. Police operations were enhanced with the delivery of 10 trucks, 3 drones, and the installation of seven checkpoints and road safety points, improving patrolling and response capacity in strategic areas.

From a preventive approach, a safe corridor with video surveillance and video analytics will be implemented, linked to the ECU911 system, optimizing incident detection and crime deterrence. Additionally, dialogue tables were established with communities, unions, and government entities to promote shared responsibility in managing security.

Although the initiative is still ongoing, preliminary results are promising. In the Guayas subregion, property crimes were reduced by 7%, with a 19% decrease in thefts from people and a 20% decrease in home burglaries. Additionally, homicides dropped by 24%, highlighting the positive impact of the strategies implemented.

Guayas Segura has demonstrated that citizen security depends not only on police control but also on strengthening the social fabric. By combining infrastructure, technology, and community participation, the project has become a sustainable model that can be replicated in other areas.