Washington, DC - Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) William R. Brownfield and Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey signed a partnership agreement today, paving the way for the State Department to leverage the expertise of the nation’s largest local prosecutorial agency in its work overseas.

Through this partnership INL will utilize the knowledge and experience of Los Angeles County attorneys and investigators in training, advising, and mentoring foreign justice sector personnel. INL’s programs combat transnational crime for the benefit of U.S. and international security, and advance civilian security in 70-plus countries, focusing on areas ranging from anti-corruption to counternarcotics to legal and judicial reform.

Recognizing that skills required to best support civilian security and justice sector reform efforts overseas can be found throughout the United States, INL has established relationships with state and local law enforcement, corrections, prosecutorial, and other justice sector institutions to access up to date criminal justice expertise. Each state and local partner receives specialized training from the State Department, and develops key overseas relationships which can benefit their work in their own communities. Details can be found at http://www.state.gov/j/inl/civ/index.htm.