NCJ Number
91320
Date Published
1983
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Although Mexico has a long history of concern with crime, it did not create an authentic system of penitentiary treatment until 1967; its only natively trained criminologist at that time was Dr. Alfonso Quiroz Cuaron.
Abstract
Mexico has dealt with crime from its earliest history through and after the period of colonial administration. By 1871, Mexico was moving toward participation in the worldwide development of criminology and penology. However, its major penal reforms did not occur until after 1967, when it established legal legitimacy for prisons, created standards for the recruiting and hiring of personnel, designed suitable physical facilities, provided individualized facilities, provided individualized treatment, introduced parole and aftercare services, and provided assistance to crime victims. The national reform movement, which was known as the miracle of Toluca, was implemented by Dr. Cuaron and Dr. Sergio Garcia Ramirez. The professional institutionalization of criminology has been promoted by the development of associations of criminology. Research has focused on the frequency of felonies, violence, genetic sources of violent crimes, penitentiaries, and other factors. The continuing crime problem in Mexico points to the need for further research. Notes and 39 references are provided.