On November 2-4, James A. Walsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), traveled to Podgorica, Montenegro to meet with police and government officials to discuss INL rule of law and law enforcement programs. His itinerary included meetings at the Podgorica High Court, the Center for Training the Judiciary and Prosecution (CTJP), and the Office of the Supreme State Prosecutor.
INL assistance strengthens Montenegro’s rule of law and law enforcement capacity building efforts through training, equipment donations, and technical assistance. INL, via the Rule of Law (RoL) program, supports the fight against corruption, organized crime, and other forms of serious crime by initiating, developing, and implementing initiatives that assist key institutions in strengthening their capacities and improve their overall abilities. The law enforcement program is developing a proactive, community responsive uniformed patrol force, providing expert guidance in the drafting of policies and procedures for police; and providing technical assistance on pro-actively investigating organized crime and corruption. The law enforcement program also supports the National Police Directorate undergoing a large reorganization, reforming the overall infrastructure to make the police agency more efficient and cost effective. This strategy is focused on improving core competencies and implementing a strategic plan that allocates the Directorates’ resources to priority areas identified by the European Commission.