I was honored to join Ambassador William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, to sign a partnership agreement in which RI will provide prosecutorial training to foreign partners to enhance their law enforcement and justice sector capabilities. This partnership is a testament to the excellence of the prosecutors in this office. Each and every day, they work with law enforcement to assess and build cases that lead to successful prosecution, and have earned a reputation as some of the best prosecutors in the nation who are sought out for their expertise.
This is also an opportunity for us to develop relationships in foreign communities that may impact transnational crime. We live in a global, interactive world which has opened up new opportunities for criminal organizations and created new challenges in investigation and prosecution. To combat the growing threat of transnational criminal organizations, we too must reach across borders to share information and best practices.
The partnership is part of the Department of State’s multi-faceted response to international criminal threats and enables INL to utilize the knowledge and expertise of prosecutors to train, advise and mentor foreign officials as part of the State Department’s foreign assistance program. RI is only the third state attorney general office to sign such an agreement with INL.
When requested by the Department of State, and with the approval of the AG, prosecutors from RI will be deployed to identified countries to train or advise on a multitude of topics ranging from transnational crime to professional responsibility. The Department of State will cover all costs related to deploying personnel from the Office overseas.