Comprehensive reform in Security: the new functions of Prefecture, Gendarmerie, and PSA

The national government officially announced on Tuesday a deep restructuring of the federal security forces, aiming to strengthen the response to organized crime, optimize resources, and modernize the internal administration of the agencies involved.

The changes were detailed in a series of decrees published in the Official Gazette, directly affecting the Federal Penitentiary Service (SPF), the National Gendarmerie (GNA), the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA), and the Airport Security Police (PSA). The redesign ranges from the reassignment of functions to a comprehensive reform of statutes, organizational charts, and personnel regimes.

SPF: moves to Security and strengthens its role against drug-related crime

One of the most significant reforms is the transfer of the Federal Penitentiary Service from the Ministry of Justice to Security.  The goal is to combat organized crime operating from prisons, as seen in recent cases linked to gangs such as "Los Monos."

In addition to the change in oversight, the SPF will have a new statute, which modernizes the career regime, incorporates structures such as the Communications Directorate, and updates the institutional control system with greater transparency.

Prefecture: modernization and environmental functions

In the case of the Argentine Naval Prefecture, the 1969 law was partially reformed to eliminate obsolete functions, such as sanctioning misdemeanors or managing postal benefits. The force is being professionalized and its role as an environmental authority is being strengthened, especially in the control of marine pollution.

Competencies previously dispersed in areas such as fishing and maritime control are also being unified, and its participation in international investigations and tasks is being reinforced.

PSA: beyond airports

The Airport Security Police, created in 2005, is expanding its scope of action and will be able to intervene in domestic security tasks outside the airport environment, such as in other means of transportation.

The reforms include:

• New technical-professional career track
• Incorporation of the cadet position
• Disciplinary system with external oversight
• Ranking of positions at the level of other federal forces

Gendarmerie: new statute and expanded functions

The Argentine National Gendarmerie is replacing its old 1972 regulations with a new statute aligned with the Ministry of Security. References to the Army and Defense are eliminated, consolidating its civilian character.

The new regime includes:

• Simplification of the internal structure
• Update of the hierarchy and career system
• New anti-corruption regulations
• Participation in international missions
• Clear definition of competencies in crime prevention and investigation

Toward an integrated public security system

Government sources emphasized that these measures seek to standardize criteria and structures among the federal forces, strengthening their coordination and operational capacity throughout the national territory.

"The idea of integrated public security, with uniform rules for the different forces, emerges as one of the clearest pillars of the regulatory package," official sources explained.