Developing Transnational Law Enforcement Cooperation

Abstract

Throughout the past decade the United States government has invested millions of dollars implementing law enforcement training initiatives designed to protect U.S. citizens at home and abroad and to assist other countries in their joint efforts to detect and control the continued threat of transnational crime. The global challenges of international crime and terrorism have led to the development of extensive efforts to train and partner with foreign police officers both in the U.S. and internationally. These programs have been developed in conjunction with foreign governments to reflect their particular law enforcement needs and mandates to operate within a democratic framework reflective of both civil and human rights concerns. This article presents an overview of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's International Training and Assistance Unit's efforts to develop and conduct international law enforcement training. Included is a review of the international law enforcement academies, with particular focus on the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, Hungary, which celebrated its 5th-year anniversary as a model for international law enforcement cooperation and partnership.