Sections and Departments
Narcotics Affairs Section
The U.S Embassy in Tegucigalpa established a Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS) in 2001. NAS receives its authority from the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States Department of State, and has developed a strong partnership with the Government of Honduras (GOH). INL/NAS provides support for GOH counter-drug and law enforcement efforts.
Areas of Cooperation
Administration of Justice (AOJ)
Under the Administration of Justice (AOJ) Police Assistance projects, NAS has supported investigative training and assistance programs for the GOH Ministry of Security's Directorate of Special Investigation Units in priority areas such as kidnappings, homicides, auto thefts, drug and arms trafficking, organized crime, money laundering and alien smuggling.
National Automated Case Management and Information System (NACMIS)
NACMIS is a wireless communication project that provides technical support and information to police stations nation-wide.
The NACMIS Project began in 2000. The first phase was the development of a system for filing reports of criminal incidents. The implementation of the system began in 2001. The second phase allowed police investigators to have access to criminal files, arrest warrants, stolen vehicles, and weapon registration, among others. This project has made it possible for the different units of the Ministry of Security to rapidly share information. The NACMIS database has over 15 million records that can be used for criminal investigations.
A total of 400 participants, including mid-level officials, investigators, and police officers, have been trained in the use of the NACMIS system.
Joint Information Communication Centre CEINCO (JICC)
CEINCO (JICC) was created as per cooperation agreement between the Government of the United States and the Government of Honduras on September 16, 1991. It is the intelligence unit of the GOH National Police. NAS provides training, technical assistance and logistical support to this specialized unit, whose main purpose is to gather, analyze, and disseminate information to Honduras law enforcement units that are tasked with investigating drug trafficking activities.
As part of GOH anti-corruption efforts, NAS has supported the Polygraph Unit at CEINCO since its creation in 2004.
Frontier Police
NAS cooperates in the strengthening of the Frontier Police's interdiction and investigate capabilities in areas such as illegal immigration, trafficking in persons, and counter-narcotics.
During the past four years, NAS has provided equipment, logistical support and field training to the Frontier Police at border crossings and check points.
Combined Operations
NAS provides funding for joint training and operations undertaken by the Ministry of Security, the Defense Ministry, and the Public Ministry, to strengthen and enhance combined coordinated investigations and interdiction efforts in the area of counter-narcotics.
Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
This program area is designed to facilitate strengthened Honduran trafficking in persons laws, working in cooperation with police, prosecutors, and judges focused on TIP related crimes, and to raise public awareness that will help bring the justice sector and NGO community closer together in the fight against trafficking in persons.
Training and seminars have been provided to Ministry of Security, Public Ministry, and NGOs, according to the most recent anti-TIP laws of Honduras; two out of the four police divisions that have special TIP units have been fully equipped: i.e. the Police’s Division Against Abuse, Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (DATESI), and the TIP Unit of the General Direction of Special Services Investigation (DGSEI).
We have two ongoing grant agreements:
- “Building Capacity to Assist Victims of Trafficking in Honduras” signed with the International Organization for Migrations (IOM).
- “Advocacy and Victim Support to Prevent Trafficking in Persons in Honduras” signed with Catholic Relief Services – Honduras.
Demand Reduction
The goal of this program is to promote drug abuse prevention efforts in Honduras.
The Public Affairs Section (PAS) has awarded several grants to NGOs to fund projects that raise drug prevention awareness among students, parents, and the local community. These projects help youth develop leadership skills and healthy lifestyles, using sports and the arts to promote a positive use of free time.
During 2007, several institutions received grants. Among others, Asociación Calidad de Vida is implementing a drug prevention program among 1,000 school students in Tegucigalpa, Santa Lucía and Valle de Angeles. Asociación Emanuel is promoting drug abuse awareness at elementary and secondary public schools in at-risk neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa. Fundación de Desarrollo Comunitario carries out drug-use prevention and awareness within their entrepreneur training programs in high-risk areas of Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela, where they reach out to young-adults and single-parents.
Anti Gang Program
Through NAS, INL is working with the Honduran police and justice sectors to strengthen their capacities to deter or respond to gang-related crime, and to protect communities and youth using a multi-sectoral approach.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Security, the Public Ministry, the Supreme Court, and civil society organizations, NAS will support anti- gang initiatives by providing training, technical assistance, materials, and equipment.
Reports
Useful Links
Important Codes and Laws
- Organic Police Law (in Spanish) (PDF - 104K)
- New Penal Procedural Code (in Spanish) (PDF - 271K)
- New Transit Law (in Spanish) (PDF - 327K)
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