Project Descriptions in El Salvador
Project Descriptions in El Salvador
The projects to be undertaken under this Letter of Agreement as part of the Merida Initiative are listed below, with a description of each program following. The USG and the GOES shall take actions and commit resources on an annual basis as authorized by their respective legislative processes to support this LOA.
The Parties may increase, amend, or terminate projects undertaken in conjunction with this LOA as agreed to by the Parties in writing. Such project modification shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this LOA.
Vetted Units
Program Name: Central American Vetted and Sensitive Investigative Units (SIU)
GOES Implementing Agency: PNC/DAN
Funding: $500,000 El Salvador
Program Description:
Sensitive Investigative Units and vetted units are groups of host country investigators who are polygraphed, trained, equipped, and guided by DEA. These units conduct complex multinational investigations and are a critical component of DEA's efforts to combat the production and trafficking of narcotics and the diversion of precursor chemicals. The requested funding will provide for operating costs, investigative equipment, and training for host nation investigative and enforcement units. Funding will support expansion and consolidation of the El Salvador vetted unit.
Transnational Anti Gang Initiative
Program Name: Transnational Anti-Gang Initiative (TAG)
GOES Implementing Agency: PNC/TAG
Funding: $450,000 El Salvador
Program Description:
This program will enhance the Transnational Anti-Gang (TAG) program by providing technical expertise and specialized equipment such as computers, software, protective gear, radios, and vehicles to law enforcement agencies in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and augmenting their investigative and operational capabilities. The funding will support the deployment of FBI Agents to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, extending the technical assistance and training already provided to El Salvador.
The TAG program was developed to combine the expertise and resources of the jurisdictions and agencies involved in countering transnational criminal gang activity in the United States, Central America, and Mexico. The goal is to provide technical assistance to aggressively investigate, disrupt, and dismantle violent gangs whose activities rise to the level of criminal enterprises, and who pose the greatest transnational threat, while enhancing the capabilities of the law enforcement agencies involved. As an outcome of the assistance, Central American law enforcement agencies will be
able to acquire and disseminate valuable information to law enforcement in the region, including the United States, plan effective law enforcement actions, and carry them out with full respect for human rights.
Additional regional funds, to be allocated later, will also support the Foreign Officer Exchange Program, an international exchange program designed to enhance information/intelligence sharing and encourage constructive discourse on best practices in gang investigation and dismantlement, based on a pilot project in El Salvador. Ultimately, the program will expand throughout the Central
American region and offer exchange opportunities throughout the United States for participating foreign officers. Funds would be extended to both foreign and domestic agencies participating in the Foreign Officer Exchange Program to encourage diversity and allow for the greatest number of participants.
Modernize and Enhance Law Enforcement
Program Name: Improved Policing/Police Equipment
GOES Implementing Agency: PNC
Funding: $1,152,000 El Salvador
Program Description:
Police in Central America are chronically under-equipped, lacking even basic communications and transport. The need to address this shortfall will become more urgent as additional law enforcement personnel are added. This equipment will complement and allow better use of other program elements, such as the intelligence and investigative technology. The USG Country Team will work with the Ministry of X to prioritize needs, with a focus on regional coordination.
Examples may include Protective equipment such as vests and face protection; basic communications; improved transportation; computers; and narcotics and explosives detection equipment.
Regional Training International Law Enforcement Academy
Program Name: International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA)
GOES Implementing Agency: Ministry of Public Security and Justice
Funding: $1,100,000 El Salvador
Program Description:
The International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) helps advance international and regional cooperation while promoting social, political, and economic stability by combating crime. To achieve these goals, the ILEA provides high-quality training and technical assistance, support institution building and enforcement capability, and foster relationships of American law enforcement agencies with their counterparts in the Central American region. ILEA graduates will become the leaders and decision-makers in their respective countries who will be willing to effect positive change in their institutions and societies and cooperate with the USG on issues of common interest. ILEA will offer a complete schedule of activities in the upcoming year in San
Salvador, and may become the venue for additional training under Merida.
Systematic Improvements in Justice Sector Institutions:Prison management
Program Name: Improved Prison Management
GOES Implementing Agency: Ministry of Public Security and General Direction of Prisons
Funding: $850,000 El Salvador
Program Description:
Prisons in much of Central America have come under the control of gangs and other criminals, who also use it as a base to consolidate power and commit crimes outside prisons through intermediaries and cell phones. Prison officials need techniques, training and equipment to regain control of prisons, especially those housing violent gangs. This component builds on the programs already initiated in El Salvador, and funded in Honduras and Guatemala under the Regional Gangs program and prisons management training corrections program. Priority will be given to the most violent and crime-connected prisons, including focused assistance as needed in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
This component does not include construction of additional facilities, but covers minor renovations at critical sites. Funding will cover a detailed assessment, planning and implementation of a technical assistance and training program and supervised implementation.
Based on initial assessments, advisors will assist in the development of a strategic planning process for major concerns; decision-maker and implementer training with a focus on a train-the-trainer program to allow the local training staff to sustain academy operations. Training will include regional visits to training in other countries and to see established programs, as well as to well-run U.S. facilities.
The basic changes are training in operations and behavior, but will require equipment support. Examples of equipment include basic equipment for personnel and to control inmates, ranging from color coded bracelets to digital camera and recording systems. It also includes communications, lighting, a well-established and practiced use of force continuum, package x-rays, metal detectors, and protective gear for officers.
The advisor teams will continue to work with prison officials on a frequent basis to ensure that practices are established and functioning, equipment is being used properly and a strategic plan is being followed.