Remarks for Ambassador Charles Glazer
Unveiling of the Building Design for ILEA
February 7, 2008

It is my pleasure to be here today to unveil the building design for the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). 

ILEA plays an important and valuable role in combating Transnational Crime in this hemisphere.  

The Academy will not only help to better prepare our police officers, but it will also become a place where the people responsible for law enforcement can meet and exchange ideas on how to fight this criminal scourge that threatens all our countries.

Our social fiber is under attack by organized crime and the criminal element.  We cannot afford to surrender to their constant aggression against our communities. 

The people we represent deserve to be safe in their homes and neighborhoods.  We need to take wide-ranging action.  

Part of this comprehensive approach is the training of our brave men and women from the law enforcement and judicial communities.

Criminal organizations have recognized that cooperating among themselves promotes their shared violent, anti-social interests. 

We too must come together and share information and intelligence.

My wish is that the ILEA will serve as a beacon to the criminal justice community, not only in an academic sense, but more importantly as a conduit and guide for the sharing of information and cooperation among all governments participating in this important endeavor.   

This event is an accomplishment that has been a long time in coming; approximately 11 years ago we set out to establish an International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in this hemisphere.  

We looked for a host country with political stability, the ability to provide necessary infrastructure and the willingness to share costs and responsibilities.  We found that country in El Salvador.

With a can do attitude, and the support of the government of El Salvador, our shared vision became a reality in November 2005 with the ratification of the agreement between our two governments.

This new structure will be a symbol for all to see of our shared commitment to combat transnational crime.  

Equally important is that we continue to forge new relationships and also maintain a constant dialogue among the numerous governments in the region, many of whom are represented in this room with the same goals relating to organized crime. 

The problem of transnational and organized crime is global in nature, and requires a joint response on the part of all of us.  ILEA embodies that commitment. 

Thank you.