Law and Order in Panama

Panama is very strict when it comes to heinous crimes. Also, there’s virtually zero tolerance in crimes such as drug trafficking and money laundering. However, it’s pretty much the same attitude by governments in other countries so common sense will tell that you should be doing anything illegal anywhere you go.
Panama police is mostly concentrating in preventing crime and drug trafficking in the country. Prostitution, you might find surprising, is considered legal. However, the prostitutes undergo weekly medical inspections for possible signs for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). These women are not usually found loitering the streets since they don’t have to be discreet when it comes to getting customers. Most of these prostitutes are employed in high class clubs that accommodate businessmen and other well-to-do individuals. Some can be seen working in massage parlors, obviously offering other special services than massaging. This is in contrast with what you usually see in Northern America, wherein prostitutes are seen catcalling for customers in dimly lit streets.
Another thing you should bear in mind – don’t just trust anybody, even a child. There are many incidents where foreigners are mugged by children and of course, due to a large number of young people grabbing the person – it is tantamount to being overpowered. Therefore, it is advisable not to wear expensive jewelry when walking down an overcrowded street. In fact, even if there are not much people around, it would be unsafe to bring a number of valuables with you especially during instances that you are walking alone.
Sometimes, victims of these daylight robberies rarely get immediate help from bystanders. It could be because they are familiar with these individuals and are afraid that they might be the next target or simply because they are involved in this scheme. Whatever’s the reason, it is always necessary to be careful in Panama.
However, these stories should not dampen your spirits especially that you have already made up your mind in staying here. Remember, Panama is a lot safer than other major cities in North America. Crime rates are at lesser percentage and violent crimes (and major robberies) are almost unheard off.
In earlier articles, you were advised on how to get a condo unit at reasonable prices. Now that you have bought your own condo unit, it would be advisable to always make sure that your windows are closed or it would have bars installed just to make sure that no malicious individual can slip their way in – even children.
There have been instances wherein children will slip their way in an unguarded home through the window. Considering that their size is tad smaller than an average adult, these children can immediately get in then get all the valuable things they could find and just slip out from the window as well. You might encounter these “innocent” looking children on your way home without realizing that they were the ones who just robbed you.
Panama is currently dealing with high incidence of poverty. Some poor children are being encouraged by their parents to do the bidding in order to come up with the much-needed money and get through the day.
You might notice while you are strolling down the neighborhood these bars installed on windows and doors. You will then get the gist while these people go out of their way to protect their homes. Of course, foreigners like you would definitely put safety and security as the top priority. Therefore, it is always good sense to invest on these two factors.
Most buildings are now guarded with security personnel. However, they may not pose much help in certain circumstances such as armed robberies. Some guards don’t have a weapon to protect themselves so you would wonder sometimes how they can protect you. Sometimes, only one security personnel is stationed at the main entrance and nothing else. Therefore, you should have the initiative to add more security in your home.
You can also invest on alarm systems in order to make sure that your home is protected completely. These alarm systems will trigger an emergency call to the local authorities who will immediately go to your residence in no time.
You can also set up your very own safe wherein you and trusted individuals know the combination. If you have extra money, you can always invest on steel doors that would hardly open without the proper security code and many more. The internet is always present to do the research for you. You can find the latest or affordable security system online.
If you feel that the combination of your safe has been compromised, don’t hesitate to immediately change the code in order to make sure that your valuables are safe from malicious individuals.
In terms of traffic rules and regulations, Panama is noticeably more lenient than North America. Foreigners being apprehended for speed driving or failing to follow one-way street signs may be asked to settle the fine on the spot. If you have decided to get a car in Panama and drive around during your leisure, always make sure you have pocket money in case you get very adventurous.
In Panama, one can purchase a gun for private ownership. If you have comfortably settled yourself here, you may want to get one for yourself. You can have it stored or concealed in your car or safely tucked away in your own – away from access to children and other loved ones. Just to make sure, always consult with a Panamanian lawyer when it comes to foreigners acquiring a gun. There may be some restrictions you don’t know and you wouldn’t want to be apprehended for something that should have been prevented.
One more thing, if you don’t know how to drive or just decided not to get a car in Panama, always make sure that you are vigilant when it comes to getting a cab.
First, check if the driver’s picture on the license is the same with the one driving the vehicle and second, follow your instinct. If you feel that the taxi driver is not trustworthy, then politely decline to board the vehicle and wait for another one.
Most of the taxicabs don’t have meters. The fares usually range from a dollar to three dollars when your destination is just within the city. Always make sure that you have loose change in your pockets because drivers don’t normally give change. However, if you don’t mind giving extra money, then it’s really not a major concern.
By the way, if you plan to withdraw money on an automated teller machine (ATM) down the street, make sure that no one will see the PIN code as you type it in. Also, make sure that there’s no suspicious-looking individual lurking nearby.
It pays to follow the law especially if you are in a foreign country. It is also important that you prioritize your safety and security. Make sure that your home is also safe from burglary. If you successfully implement these advices, then you will be alright.

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