By Natalia Rueda 
The murder of retired police colonel and director of La Modelo prison in Bogota, Élmer Fernandez, has once again highlighted the serious problems affecting Colombia’s prison system. The shocking assassination, which occurred in broad daylight, has drawn attention to the dangerous and chaotic state of the country’s prisons, and indicates a decayed security apparatus.
Fernandez, a 57-year-old man, was gunned down while on his way home in Bogota last Thursday. Shocking images shared on the internet show an unarmored vehicle with a bullet through one of its windows, allegedly fired by hitmen on a motorcycle. Perhaps, there was no expectation of such an encounter.
The news of his murder comes amid growing concern over violence and threats directed at prison system personnel. Just weeks ago, the country’s Justice Ministry declared an emergency due to a series of attacks and murders against Inpec (National Penitentiary Institute) officials.
What Happened With The Colombian Jail Warden?
Fernandez had received several threats for his efforts to reform and control the prison, including rigorous searches and raids of inmates’ cells. His strict and determined approach to prison management had made him well-known in the institution, but had also made him a target for criminals.
This devastating incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those working within Colombia’s prison system. The current INPEC director, Daniel Gutiérrez, stated that the institution cannot guarantee the safety of its staff, with over 550 threats reported in the last two years alone.