USAID/MEXICO JUSTICE AND SECURITY PROGRAM QUARTERLY REPORT, JANUARY – MARCH 2013

The program's objectives were to enact legislative reforms in line with international human rights standards and to enhance the capacity of justice institutions and key reform operators to implement the reforms. Legislative framework for Criminal Justice Reform (CJR) was a key focus area. Technical assistance and training were provided to state Technical Secretariats of the Criminal Justice Implementation Commission (SETEC) in at least four states to complete the six reform laws. By the end of the second quarter, the program had achieved 75% of its target, providing technical assistance to draft nine laws, including the Criminal Procedure Codes (CPCs) in Baja California Sur and Campeche, Public Defender Acts in Morelos and Zacatecas, and victims' assistance laws in Baja California, Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla, and Zacatecas. The program also focused on strengthening the capacity of justice institutions and key reform operators. Technical assistance was provided for the creation of Pre-Trial Services units in at least one state, and training and technical assistance were provided for the creation and consolidation of a certified training program in the Federal SETEC. Additionally, training and technical assistance were provided for the creation and consolidation of a justice reform dissemination strategy in the Federal SETEC, and training was provided to at least 60 trainers of trainers. The program's training guideline aimed to train at least 500 individuals during the option period. By the end of the second quarter, the program had made significant progress in achieving its objectives, with a focus on legislative reforms, institutional capacity building, and training. The program's efforts were expected to contribute to the strengthening of Mexico's justice system and the promotion of public safety. The program's performance monitoring plan reported on the status of results and deliverables, including the completion of reform laws, the creation of Pre-Trial Services units, and the training of justice officials and non-justice sector trainees. The program's training data showed significant progress in the training of justice officials, with a focus on case management, alternative dispute resolution, and performance improvement methodologies. The program's impact evaluation studies, including the Third JASP Training Impact Evaluation and the Pilot Study Tour Impact Evaluation, provided insights into the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The studies highlighted the importance of technical assistance, training, and institutional capacity building in promoting public safety and strengthening the justice system in Mexico. The program's success was also reflected in the establishment of alternative justice centers, the creation of a certified training program, and the development of a justice reform dissemination strategy. The program's efforts were expected to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the justice system in Mexico and to promote public safety and human rights.