Fact Sheet
Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
Washington, DC
June 28, 2008
Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Country Program: EgyptChallenges
While the Egyptian courts maintain a degree of independence and civil society and others have become more independent and outspoken, complementary reforms in the Egyptian National Police (ENP) have not occurred. Egypt’s military-style approach to policing has provided a high level of security, but it has resulted in public alienation and prevented the police from responding appropriately to situations that reflect growing public demands for a more open society. Pointed examples include the December 2005 brutal suppression of Sudanese refugees and the May 2006 massive police mobilization that quashed a peaceful political demonstration in support of two Supreme Court justices who had alleged fraud in the last election. Such continued security force practices could serve to radicalize otherwise moderate opponents to the government. Senior GOE officials understand the need for policing reform, and this area has been highlighted by Embassy Cairo as an area of concern.
Key U.S. Goals
- Modernize the Egyptian National Police approaches to training police officers in principles of community policing, and help to improve administrative and management capabilities of top law enforcement personnel
U.S. Programs
The US Egyptian Policing Project supports the modernization of management and policing approaches of the Egyptian National Police through a comprehensive training strategy focusing on police force leadership and management, building of strategic planning capacity, and improving organizational transparency.
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