(Originally posted April 21, 2016)

On April 20, U.S. Government officials and non-governmental organization leaders met at the State Department with international judicial, law enforcement, and security officials who are in the United States with “Towards a More Safe and Secure World,” an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange.

This annual initiative facilitates a dialogue between international law enforcement and their American counterparts to better understand U.S. responses to corruption, money laundering, trafficking in drugs, persons, and arms, cyber-crime, smuggling, and the nexus between transnational crime and terrorism. Participants in the program are discussing the policies, strategies, and networks working to combat international crime, counter violent extremism, and protect civil rights.

Following the meeting in Washington, D.C. the participants will travel to small and mid-sized U.S. cities to gain a better understanding of public safety and security issues from local and state law enforcement officials, public officials, and social service providers. During their time in the United States they will have time to constructively exchange ideas regarding the challenges international law enforcement faces throughout the world, allowing for increased global cooperation in solving transnational security challenges. The program culminates in New York City at the annual Combating International Crime: Global Cooperation Conference, co-hosted with the FBI’s New York Field Office.

Follow along on social media with #GlobalCooperation and #IVLP.