The breakup of the former Soviet Union and the move to democracy
by all of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe is forcing
profound change, not only in the region, but throughout the world.
These changes are not merely political, but have significant
impact on national economies, social structures, and law enforcement.
The weakening or elimination of borders and the increased availability
of electronic forms of communication and commerce have allowed
criminals almost unlimited mobility. These social, political,
and economic changes have occurred much faster than the ability
of law enforcement to respond to these new challenges. This is
particularly true in some emerging democracies of the world,
who have ill-equipped and poorly trained police, little if any
money, and inadequate laws that are not effective in allowing
the police to attack organized criminal enterprises. If these
organized criminal enterprises with roots elsewhere in the world
are allowed to grow and migrate beyond their borders, they will
inevitably invade the United States.
The Director of the FBI is charged with the duty to detect,
investigate, and assist in the prosecution of crimes committed
against the United States and its citizens. The establishment
of effective international police liaison is a critical task
in carrying out this mission. The development of effective police
training programs are proven ways to ensure international police
cooperation.
The mission of the International Training Section, located
at Quantico, Virginia, is to administer and coordinate all international
mission-oriented training for the FBI. Through coordination with
other FBI operational divisions, the International Relations
Section, Department of Justice - Office of International Programs,
the Department of State, and affected United States' embassies
overseas, prioritized training is provided in support of the
FBI's international investigative responsibilities.
International training initiatives fall into seven basic categories: