ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC)

UNCLAS STATE 132056 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT REF: STATE 168473 ¶1. (U) The purpose of this cable is to assist Regional Security Officers in preparing their Post,s Annual OSAC Crime and Safety Report which is due January 14, 2009. ¶2. (U) Background: Supporting the U.S. private sector with current and useful security information is one of the Regional Security Officer,s and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security,s core responsibilities. The Crime and Safety Report is an important document for the private sector that specifically addresses and identifies a country,s security and safety issues. Country specific Crime and Safety Reports are one of the most heavily accessed reports on OSAC's website and one of the most often requested pieces of information by OSAC constituents. ¶3. (U) OSAC Crime and Safety Reports are tailored to meet the needs of Security Directors in the American business community, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs),faith-based groups and academic institutions. By providing them with this information, they are better able to make overseas business and travel decisions for their organizations. ¶4. (U) With respect to content, experience has shown that the most useful Crime and Safety Reports usually incorporate appropriate unclassified portions of the RSO's post-specific new arrivals, security and awareness briefing. ¶5. (U) The Crime and Safety Report should adhere to the following outline: ¶I. Overall crime and safety situation: A general overview of the crime and safety threats facing Americans in country. ¶A. Crime Threats: vehicle thefts, personal robberies and residential thefts. ¶B. Safety: road conditions and road hazards. II. Political violence: The threat (if any) facing Americans from terrorism, war or civil unrest. The general frequency and location of public protests and demonstrations. ¶A. Historical perspective. ¶B. Regional terrorism and organized crime. ¶C. International terrorism or transnational terrorism. ¶D. Civil unrest. III. Post specific concerns: ¶A. Environmental, such as earthquakes and floods. ¶B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents. ¶C. Kidnappings. ¶D. Drugs and Narcoterrorism. IV. Police response: A general evaluation of police support for foreigners who are victims of crime. ¶A. How to handle incidents of police detention or harassment. ¶B. Where to turn for assistance if you become a victim of a crime and local police telephone numbers. ¶V. Medical emergencies: How to obtain medical assistance in an emergency. ¶A. Contact information for local hospitals and clinics. ¶B. Air ambulance services. VI. Travel precautions: Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. ¶A. Alert our constituents to any crimes/scams that are unique or especially frequent in your region. ¶B. Include any areas of town to be avoided and best security practices. VII. Further information: How to contact the Embassy. ¶A. Embassy contact numbers: Regional Security Officer, Embassy Operator, Medical Unit, Consular Affairs, Political/Economic Section, Marine Post One. VIII. OSAC Country Council: Indicate if Post has an OSAC Country Council. ¶A. Point of contact to include telephone numbers and email address. ¶6. (U) OSAC plays an important role in the U.S Government's strategy to protect Americans and soft targets in the Global War On Terrorism; the Crime and Safety Reports greatly assist OSAC's ability to support this strategy. Each RSO,s time and effort in compiling and submitting this report is greatly appreciated. RICE