NEW POLICE CHIEF A US ALLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 QUITO 001021

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL EC
SUBJECT: NEW POLICE CHIEF A US ALLY


Classified By: AMBASSADOR KRISTIE A. KENNEY REASON 1.4 (B&D)


1. (C) Summary: New National Police Chief Jose Antonio
Vinueza told the Ambassador his priorities would be to
restructure the police force, combat narco-trafficking, and
restore the police's reputation. Vinueza vowed to continue
to be a strong US ally. He said relations with the military
were good, and that they had already closely collaborated on
the operation to get former President Gutierrez out of
Ecuador. While Vinueza wanted to keep up appearances, it
seemed his relationship with the Minister of Government was
strained. End Summary.

--------------
Restructuring the Police Force
--------------


2. (C) In a May 4 meeting, new Chief of Police Jose Antonio
Vinueza discussed his priorities with the Ambassador and DCM,
which included restructuring the police force, combating
narco-trafficking, and restoring the police's reputation and
prestige. Vinueza has had a long-time relationship with the
US on some of our most sensitive issues, such as
anti-narcotics. Vinueza said he had a plan to restructure
the police force to make it more efficient. Vinueza also
said he would like to promote community policing. Vinueza
spoke of using a modern management style, utilizing his whole
team, not just concentrating power at the top. Due to the
importance of the fight against narco-trafficking, Vinueza
said he would be putting his best people in that division.
Vinueza said he wanted younger police to feel as if they
could have a full career in the police force. The Ambassador
emphasized the US wanted to be helpful to the Ecuadorian
police; there were several training opportunities the US
offered and she suggested Vinueza identify good candidates
for such training. The Ambassador thanked him for the
security police provide both at the Embassy and the
Ambassador's residence; Vinueza vowed to continue providing
protection.

--------------
Regaining the Public's Respect
--------------


3. (C) Vinueza thought that the public had been overly
critical of the police for their actions during
anti-Gutierrez protests; he would, however, seek to restore
the public's confidence in the institution. Vinueza would
work on ridding the police force of corruption, using
polygraph tests to weed out dishonest officers. Vinueza said
he made it clear to Joint Forces Chief Admiral Manuel Zapater
that he wanted to restore public respect for the police, but
not at the expense of the armed forces. Vinueza said that
former Minister of Social Welfare Patricio Acosta was leading
the investigation into former Minister of Government Oscar
Ayerve's actions during Gutierrez' last days; Vinueza assured
Acosta that police officers would be available to testify.
(We canceled Acosta's US visa on corruption grounds in 2004.
Since, he has played up his meetings with FARC officials and
has traveled often to Venezuela. The Acosta connection with
the Palacio government troubles us.)

--------------
Good Relations With the Military
--------------


4. (C) When asked if police-military relations had suffered
during the recent political events, Vinueza said relations
were good. Vinueza told of having worked previously with
Joint Commander Zapater in the northern coastal province of
Esmeraldas on joint anti-narcotics patrols. Vinueza said he
had a great relationship with Zapater. Vinueza gave the
example of their recent coordination on police and military
planning for possible May Day march disturbances on May 1,
where police and military openly shared information. Vinueza
said he and Zapater were once again on "joint patrol" as they
had been in Esmeraldas.


5. (C) Vinueza said the police and military are coordinating
closely, beginning with the operation to get former President
Gutierrez out of the country. On this mission, Vinueza
worked closely with his high school friend Air Force Chief
General Edmundo Baquero to formulate a detailed plan and
execute a precise mission.

--------------
Relations with MinGov Strained
--------------


6. (C) While Vinueza first said that relations with Minister
of Government Mauricio Gandara were excellent, he later gave
the impression this was not the case. Vinueza said he was
concerned about Gandara's plan to have rotating positions for
youth in the Ministry of Government who would be in charge of
restructuring the police. Vinueza was also concerned about
Gandara's frequent meetings with leftist human rights groups.

--------------
Comment
--------------


7. (C) Vinueza was thoughtful and clearly will continue to
be a US ally. We will continue to collaborate with police on
common goals such as national security and combating
narco-trafficking. While police relations with the military
appear to have good prospects, we foresee some evolving
problems between Vinueza and Gandara. End Comment.

--------------
Bio info
--------------


8. (U) Vinueza has a bachelor's degree in political science,
social science, and physical education. He joined the police
force in 1971 and has served as director of personnel.
Vinueza also served as subdirectior of the National
Antinarcotics Directorate for the Second District. He has
also been president of the Andean Regional Commission on
Anti-narcotics Intelligence.
KENNEY