03/04/12 – José Miguel Insulza, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), announced the creation of the Centre for Cooperation in Combating Transnational Organized Crime. The purpose of such a center is to bring experts from different fields together and utilize their skills in order to combat and reduce organized crime. In addition, the center will work on how to improve budgetary issues, judges, judicial systems, and the prison system. The announcement was made at the closing session of the High-Level Hemispheric Meeting against Transnational Organized Crime held in Mexico City.
At the conference, Secretary General Insulza also agreed with Mexican President Felipe Calderón in the need to address transnational crime from an international organized front. He thanked all the organizers and especially the authorities of Mexico for the example they are setting for the rest of the world.
The center will begin operating immediately. Experts in different organized crime areas will come together and give input on how to professionalize police forces and how to strengthen institutions and judicial systems in the region. Adam Blackwell, Director of Multidimensional Security of the OAS, explained that the center will provide feedback in all areas related to combating organized crime, such as decreasing drug use, reintegration of ex-convicts into society, and the professionalism of security institutions.
Sources:
“Anuncia OEA Centro para el Combate del Crimen Organizado.” La Jornada. March 2, 2012.
“Centro para el Combate del Crimen Organizado.” El Imparcial. March 2, 2012.
“Centro para el Combate del Crimen Organizado.” La Informacion. March 3, 2012.
“Crean centro de cooperación continental contra el crimen.” Excelsior. March 3, 2012.
