All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

SAN SALVADOR

Background

EUM Program Coordinator
Anthony Stapleton, INL country Director, Tel. 503-2501-2430; SansiviriniEE@state.gov.

Inventory System
Inventories of all donated equipment to host government agencies are kept in electronic format, i.e., Word and Excel for both the Government of El Salvador and the INL program records.

Staff Member EUM Responsibilities
Enrique Sansirini, assistant INL Project Manager, maintains inventory of the INL purchased and donated vehicles and other commodities provided to the Salvadorian Government; drafts equipment inspection reports; and conducts field visits to monitor use of project funds and equipment.

Other U.S. Government Agency Assistance
DEA assists the INL program with monitoring the use of resources provided to the National Civilian Police Anti-Narcotics Division (PBC/DAN) and the Special Vetted Unit of the DAN.

Counterpart Agencies
Anti-Narcotics Division of the National Civilian Police (DAN) Transnational Anti-Gang Unit (TAG) PNC Forensics Lab (AFIS System) Directorate General of Prisons (DGCP)
Attorney General's Office-Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) Attorney General's Office-Trafficking in Prison Unit (TIP/FGR)

Receipt
Commodities and equipment are officially transferred to the host government through a letter of donation signed by the INL Director and the head of the recipient institution.

Monitoring Procedures

On-site Inspections
NAS San Salvador personally inspected ninety-nine (99) percent of the 1189 donated items subject to inspection. Post conducted 12 scheduled and 8 unscheduled on-site inspections.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status
INL maintains perpetual contact with recipient institutions to insure the correct use of donated equipment. Regular interactions with the police, the prison system, and other recipient entities allow the informal inspections, queries, and impromptu progress reports. Small amounts of donated equipment located at remote regional offices have not been personally inspected but rather accounted for by recipient agency's property management offices.

Status-Commodities

Vehicles

Financial Investigative Unit
Toyota Echo
1

Trafficking in Persons Unit
Mitsubishi Mirageo
1

Antinarcotics Division of the National Civilian Police
Chevrolet Blazer
1
Ford E-350 van
1
GMC truck
1
Toyota Tacomo
1
Ford Truck
1
Nissan Patrol
1
Chevrolet Suburban
1
Nissan Altima
1

Vessel Inventory

National Civilian Police
Zodiac
1

Uniforms and Field Gear
Fourteen (14) inflatable vests and fourteen (14) ACR strobe lights donated to the Salvadorian Navy are in good condition and being used for the purpose of the donation.

One set of Night Vision Goggles, one photo camera, one video camera and one set of binoculars were donated for surveillance purposes to the Financial Investigation Unit of the PNC. It works in combined investigation processes with the Salvadorian Customs Office. The equipment is in good condition.

Miscellaneous Equipment
INL San Salvador purchased material to build five (5) barricades for the PNC Anti-Riot Unit. These barricades were located on the streets surrounding the U.S. Embassy.

The JICC received fifty-six (56) chairs, one (1) conference table, twenty (20) office lamps, one (1) sofa, one (1) loveseat, one (1) chair, two (2) end tables and one (1) coffee table.

The DAN K-9 Unit received four (4) digital recorders, four (4) video cameras, twenty-three (23) photo cameras, twenty-six (26) scanners and twenty-six (26) camera tripods.

San Salvador purchased fifty-six chairs, one conference table, and twenty office lamps for use at the Anti-Narcotics Division of the Police. The equipment is in good condition and being used for the purpose of the donation.

The laser-tattoo-removal machine is used to assist gang demobilization efforts. It initially functioned poorly but is currently operating at optimal levels.

The video and digital cameras and fax machines donated to the Police and to the Attorney General's Office are in excellent condition and are being used for their intended purposes.

The fifty-six (56) chairs and one conference table donated to the JICC are in good condition and used for the purpose of the donation.

One (1) photocopier, one (1) fax machine and one (1) air conditioner were donated to the Anti-Narcotics Office of the Comalapa International Airport.

Ten (10) bunk beds and six (6) lockers were donated to the K-9 unit.

INL San Salvador purchased material to build five barricades for the Anti-Riot Units of the National Civilian Police. These barricades are located on the surrounding streets of the US Embassy.

The Special Group of the Anti-Narcotics Division (GEAN) was provided three video cameras and six photo cameras for surveillance purposes. Raid jackets were also provided to the DAN officers.

A Laser Tattoo Removal Machine used to assist gang demobilization efforts is operating at an acceptable level.

Program Impact

Vehicles
The vehicle for the Attorney TIP unit has enabled it to coordinate with PNC and other authorities in remote areas of the country and to access border inspection posts at international frontiers where instances of trafficking are likely to come to light.

The vehicles of the PNC/DFAN have provided the Anti-Narcotics Police with basic mobility for routine operations, as well as transport for surveillance, special enforcement actions, and development of investigative leads. The vehicles also empower the PNC/DAN to more effectively cooperate with USG law enforcement entities.

Computer Equipment.
The PNC/DAN computers enable the PNC/DAN to track cases, maintain databases and spreadsheets on operations and seizures and to share information with USG counterparts.

Computers for the PNC school allow the units to track canine health records, maintain control of scheduled rotations and deployments, monitor operating expenses, and share information with USG counterparts.

Computers for the PNC/TAG used in connection with INL-provided Analyst Notebook software, allow the PNC/TAG to process operational law enforcement information to produce summaries and link charts, trace connections amongst cases, redevelop operational leads, and disseminate information on transnational street gang activity with USG law enforcement counterparts.

Computers for the PNC Forensics Lab will allow the PNC to rapidly compose, process, and disseminate biometric information on criminal suspects.

Computers for the Attorney General FIU allow the FIU to compile, analyze process, achieve, and disseminate information on suspect instances of financial crime. The computers are also used to produce evidentiary packages in support of criminal prosecutions.

Computers for the Attorney General FIU allow the FIU to compile, analyze, process, archive and disseminate information on suspect instances o financial crime. The computers are also used to produce evidentiary packages in support of criminal prosecutions.

Computers for the PNC Benevolence Welfare Unit support the basic office functions of the PNC unit tasked with providing support to the PNC offices and family members of slain PNC officers.

Computers for PREVEE Drug Demand NGO help to produce materials for outreach, collaboration, and other aspects of drug demand reduction for Salvadoran civil society.

Canines
The dogs purchased for the PNC/DAN K-9 unit (11 narcotics detection, 4 bulk currency detection) are at the forefront of anti-narcotics operations in San Salvador. K-9 teams deployed to Comalapa International Airport, the El Amatillo and La Hachadura border inspection station and the international maritime post at Acajutla have played vital roles in both the legal narcotics and bulk currency seizures. Stemming from routine inspections, they have also been successfully used to get information received via other channels. As such, the PNC/DAN K-9 units must be seen as a primary tool in USG counternarotics assistance.

Forensic Equipment
The AFIS system represents a potentially huge improvement for forensic investigations, allowing the PNC to build a reliable biometric database that can be accessed in a fast and secure way to search for individual records. The AFIS will also enable U.S. law enforcement agencies to search and match files with Salvadorian counterparts.

Communications Equipment
INL has 50 portable radios and one base unit at Izalco prison. This equipment permits the prison security units to coordinate activities within the facility and to improve security conditions and safety for staff and inmates.

Surveillance Equipment
Donated video and photo cameras have helped TAG officers perform surveillance and monitoring of gang members pursuant to ongoing investigations.

Vessels
The Zodiac boat has increased the DAN's operational capabilities especially in areas of difficult access such as the Salvadorian coastline and adjacent marshes.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan
PNC/DAN has two INL-donated, obsolete vehicles. INL will schedule a meeting with the head of PNC/DAN shortly to discuss the mechanism for disposal of the vehicles.

Document: FY2009 Section 1022(a) Report

Program: Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance

NATION: El Salvador PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS/Infrastructure for FOL CENTAM PROJECT CODE: 9500 FUNDING ($K): $2485K DESCRIPTION: Funds provide infrastructure and operating support to POL CENTAM for aerial detection and monitoring aircraft that deploy to FOL El Salvador PROJECT TASK: Funding supports facilities maintenance of operations and administrative buildings. Provides air marshals for aircraft ramp operations. Provides HN security patrols and controlled access points. Provides communications maintenance support. Provides LAN and other IT support requirements.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Policy Initiatives. U.S. assistance focuses on enhancing the operational capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement agencies to interdict narcotics shipments and combat money laundering, financial crime, and public corruption. There is also a strong emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and institutional respect for human and civil rights within Salvadoran law enforcement organizations and the criminal justice system. The USG provides support for Salvadoran measures to fight organized crime, including anti-money laundering efforts of the PNC financial crime unit and federal prosecutor?s FIU. USG support also aids Salvadoran efforts to fight transnational gangs. These measures are intended to improve public security and counter street-level drug sales, narcotics consumption, and related violence. Bilateral Cooperation. In 2009, the U.S. provided operational support to the joint Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and DAN Specialized Anti-Narcotics unit (GEAN), as well as training and logistical assistance to various DAN entities. The USG provided specialized vehicles, cargo inspection equipment, bullet-resistant vests, radios, computers and other basic law enforcement equipment, to the GEAN and other DAN constituent units. The USG also funded tactical training in such areas as vehicle stops, roadway interdiction, and emergency responder first aid. The USG also continued training and providing equipment for the Salvadorans to enhance their capability to deal with emerging narcotics threats, such as diversion of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and possible establishment of methamphetamine labs in El Salvador. The International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) provided police management and specialized training to the region, with strong Salvadoran participation. ILEA trained roughly 300 PNC officers and law enforcement officials in FY 2009. The U.S. Coast Guard provided resident, mobile training in maritime law enforcement, port security, and leadership and management. Established in January 2008, the Department of State?s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs? (INL) Regional Gangs Advisor (RGA) continued coordinating antigang policy and initiatives for El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. The RGA provided policy direction and training on issues such as community policing, formation of task forces, and security measures for prisons housing large numbers of transnational street gang members. Although gang involvement in narcotics trafficking appears to be confined to retail distribution, the INL RGA is nonetheless routinely consulted on narcotics issues that may factor into his area of responsibility, including programs that combat gangs, such as prison reform and the Central America Fingerprint Exchange (CAFE) program. In 2009, DEA and INL San Salvador worked with the DAN to further develop two mobile inspection teams capable of deploying highway choke points adjacent to El Salvador?s land borders with Guatemala and Honduras, as well as the specialized container cargo inspection unit at the port of Acajutla. The units were provided with a basic vehicle fleet and cargo inspection equipment, as well as specialized training on conducting vehicle stops and roadway interdiction. Progress on the maturation of the units has been slowed, however, by considerable turnover in the upper ranks of the DAN in the wake of the change in government in March 2009. Merida Initiative funds continue to assist the GOES to confront the organized criminal and narcotics trafficking organizations that plague the entire region, as well as support programs that will strengthen its institutional capabilities to investigate, sanction and prevent corruption within law enforcement agencies; facilitate the transfer of critical law enforcement investigative information within and between regional governments; and fund equipment purchases, training, community policing, and economic and social development programs. Despite the absence of a maritime bilateral counternarcotics agreement, the GOES always provides prompt and cooperative responses to USG requests regarding maritime drug interdiction cases.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Program Objectives and Performance Indicators Enhance the abilities of the Government of El Salvador (GOES) law enforcement agencies to detect and interdict trafficked drugs.

• Increased interdiction of narcotics
• Increased arrests and convictions for gang related crime.

Document: Joint Task Force-Bravo deploys to support damage assessment team in El Salvador

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel deployed Nov. 11 to El Salvador in response to recent torrential rains that have caused flooding and landslides there.

Thirty-seven Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel, four helicopters (one HH-60, one CH-47 and 2 UH-60s) and a command and control package departed for El Salvador, where they will meet up with a team of U.S. Army engineers to conduct damage assessment.

“Joint Task Force-Bravo will play a critical role by providing air capability to the damage assessment team,” said the mission commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Curtis Anderson. “With help from our helicopters, the assessment team will be able to get a broad, bird’s-eye-view of the damage done by the recent storm.”

Document: PANAMAX: Teamwork against terrorism

Program: Exercises

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Ultimately Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is about working together and learning from each other in order to promote trust and foster willingness for continued collaboration and teamwork. PANAMAX offers the opportunity to strengthen the ability to operate together which ultimately strengthens security of the hemisphere.

Participants and observers include forces from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. The ground portion of the exercise is being conducted at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, both in San Antonio from Sept. 13-21.

Document: Opening Ceremony Kicks Off FA PANAMAX 2009

Program: Exercises

More than 4,500 personnel from 20 countries began a 12-day exercise here Friday to train in a joint, multinational effort to ensure the security of the Panama Canal.

FA PANAMAX 2009 is one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world, and is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama from Sept. 11-22 with the participation of civil and military forces.

More than 20 vessels and a dozen aircraft are involved in the exercises. Participants are focusing on a variety of responses to any request from the Government of Panama to protect and guarantee safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensure its neutrality, and respect national sovereignty. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The FA PANAMAX 2009 exercise scenario includes sea-based training devoted to maritime interdiction operations, including visit, boarding, search and seizure. Virtual land-based training in San Antonio, Texas, will focus on command and control, stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

FA PANAMAX 2009 participating nations include: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States and Uruguay. France and Mexico are scheduled to participate as observers. The Conference of Central American Armies, the Organization of American States and the United Nations will also participate.

Document: MEDRETE provides free medical care to El Salvador villagers

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Twenty-three members of Joint Task Force-Bravo worked alongside members of the Salvadoran military and the Salvadoran Ministry of Health to make the MEDRETE a success. Together, the medical team provided care to more than 900 patients during the two-day exercise.

Document: U.S. Army Leads Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in Guatemala

Program: Exercises

The U.S. Army is working hand-in-hand with the Central American Armed Forces Conference to enhance stability and cooperation throughout the region with their annual Peace Keeping Operations Exercise here.

The current three-week-long exercise consists of various training venues and culminates with a final command-post exercise Aug. 15-17 where students will get a chance to put into practice all the information and skills they learned during the annual Peace Keeping Operations Exercise

This is the third and final phase of annual exercises designed specifically for this region.

The conference, known as CFAC, is comprised of The Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras and was established approximately a decade ago.

This annual exercise equips CFAC troops with the knowledge and tools to effectively execute peacekeeping missions and respond to natural disasters, within United Nations standards, throughout the region.

During this 16-day phase, a class consisting of 86 students representing the various countries, learn everything from convoy and security operations to medical evacuation and public affairs procedures all within United Nations guidelines.

The exercise took approximately 3 months of coordination and planning and the team is already looking to plan future exercises, said Kempf. “Next year, the focus country will be Chile, and in 2011, it will be in Brazil.”

The overall goal is to enhance interoperability and improve security and cooperation of the people in the region

Document: USNS Comfort Wraps Up Humanitarian Mission in El Salvador

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

The hard work of Comfort’s crew was evident in both the number of patients treated and the quality of care they received. The medical and dental staff triaged more than 19,000 patients and performed 185 surgeries. The veterinary staff treated 3,270 animals and the pharmacy filled 32, 644 prescriptions. The optometry department dispensed 5, 367 pairs of glasses and 2,062 pairs of sunglasses.
...
Another important part of the mission was the education and training exchanges between Comfort crewmembers and host nation personnel through both “hands on” sessions and classroom lectures. More than 2,000 students across all disciplines were given classes on topics ranging from tropical diseases in the area, dental health, and more. Salvadoran instructors were also on board for two days to help instruct the students and Comfort staff.