San Diego Harbor Police Boosts International Law Enforcement

The Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department will assist the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed April 10, 2015.

The MOU was signed by Ambassador William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of INL; and Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook as part of the Harbor Police’s efforts to support foreign port security and fight international crime. It establishes a framework for Harbor Police to train, advise and mentor international law enforcement and security personnel and assist with foreign governments' anti-crime efforts, mainly in Asia and Latin America.

This new relationship with the Port of San Diego is the INL's second port partnership and the first on the West Coast. It builds on its existing work with PortMiami to provide security assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean.

INL frequently receives requests for guidance and support regarding port security matters from foreign governments. Under this partnership, the vast expertise and experience of the Port's Harbor Police Department will be put to work helping partner nations improve border security in the face of increased criminal threats.

By providing training and mentorship, the port will assist in efforts to combat transnational crime and build partner nations' capacity to establish effective port and maritime security.