Chile's Comptroller General released its first Audit Results Consolidated of 2025, revealing flaws in prison security, drug control, and arms management. Delays in protocols and deficiencies in cell signal blocking systems in prisons were identified. The audits cover inspections from 2023 to July 2025.
The Comptroller General of the Republic released the Audit Results Consolidated (CRA) No. 1 of 2025, compiling observations from 62 inspections conducted between January 2023 and July 2025, of which 22 are reserved due to sensitive information. The document highlights irregularities in priority areas such as public security, arms and munitions control, and drug seizure and destruction.
In public security, it was found that 70 out of 79 closed-regime penitentiary centers did not plan ordinary searches in 2024. Additionally, 1,279 inmates received visits despite prohibitions, and 1,539 citizens visited inmates under similar conditions. A total of 479 individuals identified as “private lawyers” failed to accredit their profession. Only 10 of the 79 facilities (12.7%) have cell phone signal inhibition systems, and most only block 2G signals, while mobile devices operate on 4G or 5G. Even with blockers, phones connect via WiFi, and periods without inhibition were identified.
Regarding drug seizure and destruction, police failed to meet the 24-hour legal deadline for sending reception acts and custody chains, with delays up to 288 days. There were weight discrepancies of up to 32 kilograms between reported and recorded amounts. Custody rooms were used as warehouses without protocols, and drug destruction was delayed up to 189 days, exceeding the 15-day limit. In nine entities, expired controlled medications and inventory discrepancies were found.
In arms and munitions control, unregistered weapons, missing documentation in seizures, and lack of traceability in PDI and Gendarmería systems were found. The Navy lacks an IT system for registering armament. As follow-up actions, three disciplinary procedures, 35 summary processes, and nine reports to the Public Ministry were initiated, along with one to the State Defense Council and another to the Aviation Prosecutor's Office.
Other areas like border control and public order show similar deficiencies, including officials without medical certifications and police vehicles with inoperative cameras.
