Crime and Safety Report

OSAC ANNUAL CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

In 2005, the security situation in Algeria improved markedly. Since 1992, some 150,000 people are estimated to have died in the country's battle with extremist Islamist terror groups, the most notable of these being the GIA (Armed Islamic Group) and the GSPC (Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat). In September 2005, the Algerian people voted in a referendum in favor of President Bouteflika's national reconciliation charter, which will allow former terrorists not involved in mass killings, bombings, or rapes to turn themselves in to authorities. After judicial review, the former terrorists will be released. Since the referendum a growing number of terror suspects have surrendered to authorities, but an average of forty people still are killed in fighting each month. Terrorist activities occur mainly in the remote mountain areas of the Northeast Algerian coast and in the far southern area of the country. In these areas, most attacks are focused on government security forces, although lesls frequently civilians are subject to attack as well. Security forces also take the initiative in hunting down terrorists who continue to fight. Compared to the violence previously experienced in this war, these incidents produce a significantly decreased level of violence.

Crime

While the threat from terrorism has diminished significantly, crime has been on the increase. This increase is due in part to remaining members of the terrorist groups resorting to crime in order to finance terrorist activity, and former terrorists changing their occupation to that of career criminal. In addition, an unemployment rate that hovers around 25%, mostly affects males under 30. These socio-economic factors contribute to the crime rate, particularly in urban areas. "False road blocks", long a favorite tactic of terror groups to kill or kidnap opponents, are now used to extort money. The level of street crime is rising, with criminals boldly victimizing people in crowded shopping areas within sight of police checkpoints. While the use of firearms by criminals is relatively rare in the city of Algiers, knives are commonly employed. These weapons are used to cut objects such as purse straps from victims, as well as to threaten bodily harm. Organized crime is a growing concern, with increased incidents of drug trafficking, counterfeiting, vehicle theft, and money laundering. Additionally, the kidnapping of wealthy Algerians for ransom is becoming more common.

Americans do not appear to be specifically targeted by the criminals' activities. The Embassy strongly urges American companies operating in Algeria to hire competent security professionals to protect their facilities and personnel. Travel by night outside of Algiers is to be avoided if at all possible unless adequate security protection is provided.

Political Violence

Open source reporting puts the number of GSPC members at under 1000 and the GIA at less than 100. In 2005, the activities of these groups have, for the most part, been restricted to the more remote regions of the country. The government's reconciliation program has led to an increase in the number of terror suspects who surrender to security forces or are captured by them. However, attacks against government forces and the killing of civilians continues in some rural areas of the country.

Post-Specific Concerns

In addition to the potential for terrorist and criminal-related violence, there are several other potential threats for those working or traveling in Algeria. The city of Algiers is built on a major fault line, and although there have been no major tremors since 2003, there have been several smaller ones, including a deep 4.4 tremor centered about 60 miles outside of the city that occurred on January 3, 2006. Due to inadequate infrastructure as well as deforestation, seasonal rains pose a flooding hazard. Roads are poorly maintained and traffic accidents are on the rise. Public transportation is poor, unreliable, and its use is not recommended.

Police Response

The capital city of Algiers contains a heavy police presence. Over the last year, the government has begun a program to increase the size of the police force by approximately 30,000 personnel.. This increase in size is due to the police regaining their traditional roles and responsibilities that were handled by the military during the conflict with the terrorists. A policy of professionalization is being pursued by the government that is expected to show results. Coupled with an increase in pay and benefits, this program will lead to better quality police recruits. The heavy police presence is noticed most readily in the major cities, but it is expected that smaller cities will also benefit from increased police staffing. Police (in the cities) or Gendarmes (in the countryside) display a wide variation in training, equipment, and abilities. They can be expected to be responsive to requests for assistance, particularly from foreigners. Algerian police have standing orders to notify the appropriate embassy or consulate if a foreign national is arrested. If an American visitor is detained, (s)he should immediately request permission to contact the Consular Officer of the US Embassy. The police emergency number is 17, but .it is unlikely that the phone will be answered by an English-speaking officer.

Medical Emergencies

Some doctors in Algeria have received training in Western Europe or the United States, but the level of expertise or resources that will be available to visitors to the country varies widely. If visitors do not have a contract for medical services in country, hotel staff should be able to identify an appropriate medical facility in an emergency. Should a serious medical issue arise, medical evacuation to an appropriate facility outside the country is advised. Travelers should have adequate insurance to cover treatment as well as evacuation.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Travelers to Algiers should use the same common sense security measures they would use in any other large city. They should register with the Embassy upon arrival in the country; remain informed on broad security issues associated with country (see http://travel.state.gov); maintain a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings; dress appropriately for the culture and conditions; avoid obvious displays of wealth; and travel as much as possible with local contacts and in groups. The Embassy strongly recommends that visitors avoid traveling outside major cities at night and overland between distant destinations. The use local of facilitators and/or security services is highly recommended.

For Further Information

American Embassy Algiers contact numbers are as follows:
Main Embassy Switchboard: (country code 213) (21) 69-12-55;
69-32-22; 69-11-86; 69-14-25. Consular: ext. 2016 or 2020 Security: ext. 2280
Embassy Duty Officer: (country code 213) (70) 99-07-00
RSO Duty Officer: (country code 213) (70) 39-00-61