Assistance for civilian policing : USAID policy guidance

Section 564(a) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005, expands "community-based police assistance" authority on a worldwide basis. This guidance anticipates increased demand for civilian policing assistance. It covers police assistance activities that may be supported by USAID, unless and until such statutory authority is changed or rescinded. The guidance elaborates key points and provides the legislative background, along with program goals, policy and notification guidance, program guidelines, advice on implementation, and illustrative activities. In January 2004, USAID issued a white paper that identifies five operational goals for the Agency, in line with strategic priorities. The country goals include promoting transformational development, strengthening fragile states, and supporting strategic states. USAID"s goals in the area of civilian policing are to establish the rule of law, with security and human rights protections as an inherent component of a democratic political order, and to establish a positive enabling environment for economic growth, including commercial activity, investment, and trade. Under this policy, no assistance can be contemplated for civilian police forces that are not under control of democratic authorities or, in transition situations, for civilian police that are not demonstrably moving toward being under the control of democratic authorities. In deciding whether to provide assistance, USAID must consider the country"s human rights situation. If it is poor, assistance to civilian police authorities should be approached with careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. USAID decisions on assistance also require consideration of the level of corruption within the civilian police authority. (Author abstract, modified)