HONDURAS: UPDATED ASSESSMENT ON SECURITY

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001894 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN: HILLARY THOMPSON AND WHA/FO: GIOVANNI SNIDLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PTER SNAR HO SUBJECT: HONDURAS: UPDATED ASSESSMENT ON SECURITY REQUIREMENTS REF: A. STATE 163495 ¶B. TEGUCIGALPA 01336 ¶1. Honduran Vice Minister of Security, Jorge Rodas Gamero, provided Post with immediate prioritized police equipment needs. These include motor vehicles, a helicopter, office equipment, furniture, communications equipment, reproduction of instruction manuals, prison security equipment, and vehicle maintenance for the following: ¶A. General Direction of Criminal Investigation's (DGIC) Gang Division; ¶B. General Direction of Preventive Police's (DGPP) -- Gang Analysis and Prevention Division and -- Special Anti-Gang Intelligence Unit; ¶C. General Direction of Special Preventive Services (Prisons),and ¶D. National Police in general ¶2. The detailed list will be sent via email to WHA/CEN and WHA/FO. It includes quantities, models and makes, and prices in local and U.S. currency, as well as the breakdown of equipment distribution to specific offices and units throughout the country. ¶3. In the context of the 3-pillar framework (reftel A) for security requirements through FY 2010, a concrete GOH security plan does not exist, but the overall assessment contained in reftel B is still valid. ¶4. GOH officials have been participating in SICA meetings and seem committed to regional cooperation. They have demonstrated interest in the Merida Initiative by asking questions and completing a detailed comprehensive list by sector and region within 48 hours. There is a potential commitment to coordinating aspects of security policy regionally via SICA, however, it is important to note the GOH has not yet developed its own security policy. FORD