DUSHANBE, August 4, 2011, Asia-Plus – The United States Embassy in Dushanbe supported a community policing study tour to the United States from July 14-24, 2011.

Sixteen Tajik nationals, including senior officials from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Public Order Protection Directorate, traveled to New York and Massachusetts, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said on August 4, noting that the tour was part of the Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs’ Community Policing project implemented by The Emergence Group.

While visiting the Nassau County Police Department in New York, participants toured the Police Activities League and Police Youth Academy to see how police build trust with and prevent crime among youth. The delegation also experienced a night patrol ride-along, toured a precinct station, and heard presentations from the Community Affairs Department on partnerships with businesses to identify terrorism threats and expand community outreach and information networks.

The second half of the tour was hosted by three Massachusetts police departments. In New Bedford, the delegation met the mayor, who hosted a panel of public safety representatives.  They observed a peer Youth Court and Juvenile Court in cooperation with the school district, and attended a Neighborhood Association meeting. Representatives from the Cambridge Safety Net explained their work with the Cambridge Police Department to improve police-youth relations.  While in Cambridge, the delegation participated in a patrol ride-along, a shift role call, and a Crime Analysis Unit briefing.

A highlight of the tour was the delegation’s visit to an ongoing public demonstration. Observing the demonstration from a secure vantage point, participants saw how the Cambridge Police, using innovative community policing approaches, handled the demonstrators and preserved public order.

The United States Government is committed to continuing its support and capacity development assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan’s law enforcement community.  Since 1992, the U.S. Government has provided more than $984 million in assistance programs, which enhance law enforcement and security systems, economic growth, democratic institutions, health care, and education in Tajikistan.