U.S. Department of Justice

Office of International Affairs (OIA)
Criminal Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

Phone: 202-514-0000
Fax: none given
E-mail: Criminal.Division@usdoj.gov
Internet: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/links/oia.html

OIA's primary mission is to secure the return of fugitives from abroad for prosecution in the United States and to obtain from foreign countries evidence, witnesses, and other assistance needed for the successful prevention, investigation, and prosecution of crimes in the United States. In this regard, OIA's mission encompasses state, local, and federal investigations and prosecutions. Necessary adjuncts to OIA's primary mission are three complementary missions: ensuring that the United States meets its reciprocal obligations to foreign countries with respect to the extradition of foreign fugitives and obtaining evidence in the United States needed for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of foreign crimes; ensuring that there are effective treaties and other legal authorities to secure fugitives and evidence from abroad and to meet the country's reciprocal obligations; and promoting relationships with foreign counterparts, from the working level to that of the attorney general, that will foster effective international cooperation in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of transborder crime. OIA handles thousands of international criminal cases a year; has a staff of fifty attorneys; and has field offices in Rome, Brussels, Paris, London, Mexico City, San Salvador, and Manila.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE TRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICITAP)

1331 F Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20530
 

Phone: 202-305-8190
Fax: 202-305-3335
Internet: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/icitap/

ICITAP's mission is to support U.S. criminal justice and foreign policy goals by assisting foreign governments in developing the capacity to provide professional law enforcement services based on democratic principles and respect for human rights. It was created in response to a request from the Department of State for assistance in training police forces in Latin America. Since then, ICITAP's activities have expanded to encompass two principal types of assistance projects: the development of police forces in the context of international peace and stability operations, and the enhancement of capabilities of existing police forces in emerging democracies. Assistance is based on internationally recognized principles of human rights, rule of law, and modern police practices.

ICITAP's training and assistance programs are intended to develop professional, civilian-based law enforcement institutions. This assistance is designed to enhance professional capabilities to carry out investigative and forensic functions; assist in the development of academic instruction and curricula for law enforcement personnel; improve the administrative and management capabilities of law enforcement agencies, especially capabilities relating to career development, personnel evaluation, and internal discipline procedures; improve the relationship between the police and the community they serve; and create or strengthen the capability to respond to new crime and criminal justice issues.

OFFICE OF OVERSEAS PROSECUTORIAL DEVELOPMENT, ASSISTANCE, AND TRAINING (OPDAT)

Criminal Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

Phone: 202-514-1323

E-mail: Criminal.Division@usdoj.gov
Internet: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/opdat.html

OPDAT seeks to further goals relating to criminal justice development. OPDAT has been tasked with the training of judges and prosecutors in South and Central America, the Caribbean, Russia, other newly independent states, and Central and Eastern Europe. OPDAT also serves as DOJ's liaison between various private and public agencies that sponsor visits to the United States for foreign officials who are interested in the U.S. legal system. OPDAT makes or arranges for presentations explaining the U.S. criminal justice process to hundreds of international visitors each year.