GOAL
The goal of the Mexico Police Professionalization Program is to minimize the impact of international crime and illegal drugs in the United States by strengthening the effectiveness of the law enforcement agencies in Mexico to meet the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) international standards.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Mexican-American border remains a top avenue for illegal narcotics smuggled into the United States. While both countries share a common goal of enhancing safety and security, US law enforcement agencies have proven systems and processes that can help Mexican agencies bolster their efforts around safety. Through this program, NPI helped both nations achieve their goals.
OUR WORK
Over the last eight years, we provided technical training and assistance to law enforcement agencies, public safety training academies, and public safety communications centers across the country of Mexico. Over the typical two- to three-year period of seeking accreditation, subject matter experts offered in-person and online training and assistance. While this occurred, CALEA offered the same accreditation services to these agencies as they do for all client agencies.
OUR IMPACT
In 2016, the first agency in Mexico was accepted into the program. In December of 2021, the last agency enrolled and completed the process in November of 2023. As of November 2023, 70 agencies earned accreditation, including 22 law enforcement agencies, 29 public safety training academies, and 19 public safety communications centers. Over the course of the program, 12 agencies withdrew or were removed from the process.
Armed with the knowledge and resources we provided, some of the agencies re-enrolled and will seek accreditation outside of this project.
We asked 74 agencies about their experience throughout the accreditation process. Here's what they had to say:
Reported updated processes, standards, and directives
Reported increased collaboration within the agency and with other agencies
Reported continuous improvement
Reported increased agency pride
Reported improved community relations
WHAT'S NEXT
As this project comes to a close, public safety agencies in Mexico have been given the resources necessary to be as effective as possible, ultimately fighting drug and international crimes before they reach the United States.