Yariela Castro Profile

Professional Experience:

With 30 years of experience as a law enforcement officer dedicated to upholding the law and the motto “Protect and Serve” in the National Police of the Republic of Panama, I have forged a diverse and enriching career.

My police career began as a foot patrol officer in the San Miguelito district of Panama City, where I was selected to take on new responsibilities in the Transit Operations Directorate. Throughout my time in this directorate, I played key roles, including foot patrol officer, traffic accident investigator, regulator, motorized officer, and traffic education instructor in official and private schools across the country. Additionally, I taught classes on Traffic Regulations and road nomenclature to both future police officers and students in training.

My experience as a police instructor opened up opportunities for me to transfer to the Training Directorate, where I was assigned to the Academic Division. In this role, I contributed as a curriculum developer for training courses, ongoing education, and training for both uniformed and non-sworn personnel of the institution.

During the last 11 years of my career, I played a crucial role in the Police Intelligence Directorate, working in a special unit dedicated to investigating sexual offenses and providing support to other high-profile investigations. In addition to my investigative responsibilities, I carried out administrative duties, managing two petty cash funds for the maintenance of the vehicle fleet and the support of our operations.

My extensive experience reflects a strong dedication to public service, as well as skills developed in key areas such as instruction, investigation, and administrative management. I am committed to continuing to contribute my experience and skills in service to the safety and justice of our community.

Retired in December 2022 with the distinguished rank of Captain, I currently find myself wholly dedicated to the sacred service of God in the enchanting Province of Chiriquí, Republic of Panama. As a committed full-time Pastor, my days are purposefully intertwined with the practice of ministry, where I work in harmonious collaboration with my beloved husband and our two cherished children.

This pivotal juncture in my professional trajectory signifies a profound transition from a storied career in law enforcement to an exceptionally gratifying role in spiritual leadership. Within the realm of my pastoral responsibilities, I am driven by a sincere passion for guiding and supporting others on their unique faith journeys. This profound sense of purpose brings me immeasurable joy as I draw upon the rich tapestry of both my professional and personal experiences, contributing with depth and authenticity to the spiritual well-being of our vibrant community.

In this newfound season of life, I am grateful for the meaningful opportunities that continue to unfold. As I navigate the intricate path of spiritual leadership, I remain unwavering in my commitment to fostering a sense of community, compassion, and connection within the diverse fabric of Chiriquí. Each day presents a fresh canvas on which to paint the hues of inspiration and devotion, shaping a legacy that transcends the boundaries of my previous accomplishments.

Education:

• International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Panama School of Prophets (2018)
• Redime Christian University, Master’s in Theology (2017)
• Latin University of Panama, Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis on Human Resources Management (2004)
• Dr. Belisario Porras Panama Police Academy, Police Officer (1992)
• National Institute of Panama, Bachelor of Science (1987)
• Tinajita School Panama, Primary School Certificate (1981).

Licenses and Certifications
• Seminar on Counterfeit Brand Recognition (2019) by Puy & Associates, Attorneys At Law.
• Women in Law Enforcement Leadership Training (2018) at FLETC. International Law Enforcement Academy San Salvador.
• First International Congress on Global Threats and Their Regional Impact (2017) by the Society of International Studies – Panama.
• DEA- Forfeiture / Money Laundering Course (2016) at FLETC. International Law Enforcement Academy San Salvador.
• Regional Workshop Confronting Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering in Latin American Free Trade Zones: Criminal Trends and Investigation Tools (2015) by the Financial Analysis Unit of Panama and the United States Embassy in Panama.
• ICE- Advanced Intellectual Property Rights Course (2013) at FLETC. International Law Enforcement Academy San Salvador.
• International Task Force Agent Training ICE-ITAT-102 (2011) by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/ Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Atlanta, Glynco, Georgia.
• Mediation and Community Negotiation (2010) by the Judicial Branch
• HIV/AIDS Prevention: Basic Aspects of Masculinity, Human Rights of People Living with HIV, Law 3, and Gender Focus (2010) by the Ministry of Government and Justice.
• Investigation Phase in the Accusatory System (2009) by the Attorney General’s Office.
• International Training Program-902 Advanced Investigators Course-Surveillance (2008) by the U.S. Department of Justice United States Marshals Service.
• Educational Supervision (2008) at the Technological University of Panama
• Seminar Workshop on Protocol and Etiquette (2005) at the University of Panama.
• PowerPoint Presentations (2004) at the Technological University of Panama.
• II National Workshop against Illicit Traffic of Cultural Goods (2004) by the National Institute of Culture of Panama (INAC)
• Seminar Workshop Decision-Making (2003) by the National Institute for the Utilization and Professional Formation (INAFORP)
• I Psychology Congress on Values and Dignity in Human Development and Organization (2003) by the Interamerican University of Panama.
• Workshop on Strategies for Young and Adult Facilitators (2002) by the Ministry of Education of Panama.
• Seminar Workshop Basic Foundations and Strategies for Curriculum Development (2002) by the Ministry of Education of Panama
• Emotional Intelligence (2002) at the Panama Police Academy
• I Congress of Industrial Psychology (2002) by the Latin University of Panama
• Seminar Formation of Human Capital Based on Labor Competencies (2002) by the Latin University of Panama
• IV Symposium on Informatics and Telecommunications (2001) by the Latin University of Panama
• Project for the Prevention of Intrafamily Violence with a Gender Focus (2001) by the Office of the First Lady of Panama.
• III Professional Ethics Forum (2001) by the Latin University of Panama.
• New Challenges in the Practice of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (2001) by the Latin University of Panama.
• Accounting Profession: Career of Opportunities (2001) by the Latin University of Panama.
• I Symposium on Educational Projects of the Center (2000) by the University of Peace.
• Hostage Negotiation Course (1999) by the Police Academy/ International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Program (ICITAP)
• Kidnapping and Extortion Course (1999) by the Police Academy/ ICITAP
• Training Evaluation Course (1998) ICITAP
• Curriculum Design Course (1998) ICITAP
• Office Tools Course (1998) by the Police Academy
• Instructor Training (1998) ICITAP
• Methodological Induction of the Instructor (1998) by INAFORP.
• San Yang Motorcycle Drivers Course (1997) by the Police Training Center CECAPOL
• Principles and Techniques of Evaluation (1995) ICITAP
• Instructor Certification (1994) ICITAP.
• I Instructor Development Course (1994) ACAPOL
• Update Seminar and Traffic Operations (1993) by the National Directorate of Traffic Operations
• Traffic Inspectors (1993) by the Police Academy

Other Activities and Distinctions:
• Second Place of Honor in the Police Officer Training Course
• First Place of Honor in the Traffic Inspectors Course
• Congratulations for High Academic Performance
• University Community Service in Rio Indio de San Martín in 1993 (150 hrs.)
• Multiple certifications as a Police Instructor
• Facilitator of the First International Train-the-Trainer Course.
• Facilitator of the Instructor Development Course at the National Police of the Dominican Republic / June 2006.
• Winner of the Exemplary Police Officer Contest of the Republic of Panama in 2017.
• Participant in an inter-institutional internship (Ministry of Public Security, Judicial Branch, Attorney General’s Office, Presidency of the Republic of Panama, Financial Analysis Unit of Panama) in New York City, United States, in 2019, sponsored by the United States Embassy in Panama.