International Law Enforcement Academies

International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEAs) advance U.S. interests in international cooperation while promoting social, political, and economic stability by combating crime. These academies offer a core law enforcement program targeted at mid-level officials in the police and criminal justice services of strategic countries throughout the world. The ILEAs develop an extensive network of alumni, who will become the leaders and decision-makers in their respective countries, to exchange information with their U.S. counterparts and assist in transnational investigations.

The Department of State works with the Departments of Justice and Treasury and with foreign governments to implement the ILEA programs. INL’s primary role is to provide foreign policy guidance to the ILEA Directors, ensure availability of adequate funding to support ILEA operations, and provide oversight that will ensure that U.S. foreign policy objectives are achieved. To date, the combined ILEAs have trained over 8,000 officials from 50 countries.

ILEA Budapest opened in 1995 to provide assistance to the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries. Trainers from the United States, Hungary, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Russia, INTERPOL, and the Council of Europe provide instruction.

ILEA Bangkok opened in 1999. The curriculum and structure of this Academy is similar to ILEA Budapest, except for the shorter duration of the core course and an added emphasis in narcotics matters. Participation is open to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus the People’s Republic of China. Trainers from the United States, Thailand, Japan, Holland, Australia, and Hong Kong provide instruction.

ILEA Gaborone opened in 2001. Its overall instructional format is similar to Budapest and Bangkok but adjusted to suit the needs of that region. Participation is open to members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with projected expansion to other countries in the sub-Saharan region.

ILEA Roswell (New Mexico) also opened in 2001. It offers a curriculum similar to that of a criminal justice university. The courses have been designed and are taught by academicians for graduates of the regional ILEAs. This Academy is unique in its format and composition, with an academic focus targeted to a worldwide audience.

ILEA South offered a core course similar to Bangkok’s – tailored to regional needs – for officials from Central America and the Dominican Republic. Two pilot courses were conducted in Panama in 1997 at a temporary site. All activities of this Academy were temporarily suspended, but negotiations are currently underway with the Government of Costa Rica to establish the ILEA in San Jose. The scope of this ILEA would be expanded to include countries in the Andean region under the new designation of ILEA Latin America.