Dushanbe. 20 August. “Asia Plus” -- The United States Government sponsored a five-day course in the United States for seven senior officials from the Tajikistan Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), including the Head of Public Order Protection Department, Police Reform National Coordinator, and Commanders of Regional and Districts Police Departments. This study tour included visits to Washington, D.C. and Boston, Massachusetts to help Tajikistan transition from traditional, reactive policing to a proactive community-oriented policing approach. While in the United States, the participants received instruction on responding to domestic violence, violent extremism, and radicalization, as well as how to reinforce gender equality in law enforcement hiring.

In the Washington area, the Tajik officials met with officials from the U.S. Department of State’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and Counter Terrorism (CT) bureaus, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Park Police, the Charles County Sheriff Office, and the FBI Academy. Tajik police leaders observed innovative approaches in countering violent extremism and strengthening community resilience, and learned about the national strategy to reduce domestic violence. During their meeting with INL Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James Walsh, the participants expressed their appreciation for USG assistance and committed to apply observed practices to benefit police efforts in Tajikistan.

The U.S. Government is committed to supporting Tajikistan’s law enforcement and border security agencies and justice sector institutions, and will continue to collaborate with the Government of Tajikistan to ensure safety and security for all its citizens. Since 1992, the American people have provided over $1 billion in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education, security, and economic growth.