NCJ Number
177333
Date Published
1997
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This report documents human rights abuses committed by the Haitian National Police (HNP), measures taken to address them, the institutional development of the HNP, and international assistance to the HNP.
Abstract
For most of Haiti's 193-year history as an independent nation, its security forces have been an instrument of repression for the government. The creation of a professional, civilian police force in the form of the HNP offers the hope of breaking this cycle of repression and impunity. The police reform process sought to create a force that would function within the parameters of a democratic system to fight crime, protect citizens, and preserve democratic order. The international community committed millions of dollars to fashion a new police force. Nonetheless, as documented in this report, police reform has serious problems. Although not insurmountable, police abuses and the poor functioning of the force, attributable to weak leadership, threaten the credibility of the HNP. Human rights violations committed by the new force are the most alarming development, indicating a dangerous tendency by some members of the HNP to adopt the repressive practices of past security forces. The Haitian government must ensure that police accountability is strengthened, particularly by consistently applying internal disciplinary measures, systematically providing information to the public about incidents, and sending cases to the courts for criminal investigation. The government also should codify these practices in police law and regulations, thereby seeking to ensure continued good practices through future leadership changes. 139 footnotes