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“Security Through Justice”
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INL works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.
 

Combatting Crime and Corruption

INL combats crime by helping foreign governments build effective law enforcement institutions that counter transnational crime—everything from money laundering, cybercrime, and intellectual property theft to trafficking in goods, people, weapons, drugs, or endangered wildlife. INL combats corruption by helping governments and civil society build transparent and accountable public institutions—a cornerstone of strong, stable, and fair societies that offer a level playing field for U.S. businesses abroad.

Addressing Illicit Drug Challenges

INL approaches the illegal drug trade from both the security and public health perspectives. By reducing the demand for and supply of illicit drugs, INL programs:

• Develop and sustain drug prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare abroad;
• Help countries reduce illegal drug production;
• Support other means of livelihood to bolster legitimate economies; and
• Help prevent drug-related gang recruitment.

Supporting Rights and Justice

INL works with these partners to fight injustice and promote laws and court systems that are fair, legitimate and accountable. INL’s training, technical assistance, and mentoring:

• Make courts and legal systems more fair and transparent;
• Develop judges, prosecutors, and investigators who are highly skilled and accountable;
• Improve correctional facilities and prisoner treatment standards;
• Encourage women to join law enforcement and legal fields;
• Combat gender-based violence and hate crimes, and aid survivors.

Partnerships

INL draws on American expertise to combat crime, corruption, and narcotics trafficking abroad and to develop trustworthy justice systems. The Department of State has more than 110 partners across the United States to facilitate training and exchanges with foreign countries, including with:

• Federal law enforcement agencies;
• State, and local police and corrections departments;
• Local and state courts;
• District attorney’s offices and public defenders;
• Port authorities; and
• Professional Associations, Academic Institutions and Civil Society Organizations.