Mano Dura Policies in Latin America

"Amid deteriorating security and democracy, mano dura policies have become one of the most persistent and entrenched policing policies in Latin America. This volume provides a much-needed analytical and policy structure that comprehensively explains the ever-expanding applications, rationalizations, and damages of this approach in countries throughout the region."

Mark Ungar, Brooklyn College

"Tragically, in the twenty-first century Latin America has been wracked by unprecedented levels of criminal violence. In this masterful, up-to-date volume, top country experts trace the evolution of government policies against organized crime in Latin America's large countries and countries of the Northern Triangle. The book makes an important and compelling argument: while tough on crime policies enable human-rights violations and are rarely effective over the longer term, they are popular among Latin America's fearful citizens."

Cynthia McClintock, George Washington University