OAS Webcast | Statement by H.E. Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary GeneralOEA / Departamento de Seguridad Pública / Observatorio Interamericano de
Seguridad
The Department of
Public Security (DPS) is part of the OAS
Secretariat for
Multidimensional Security and was created with the purpose
of designing and implementing programs that support, within the
framework of human rights, the efforts of the OAS Member States
to address threats to public security.
The
DPS works with Member States to develop mechanisms to evaluate
and strengthen their institutional capacity to deal with
security threats. These efforts focus on the following areas:
the strengthening of security legislation, the improvement of
law enforcement coordination and practices, the prevention of
crime and violence, victim assistance and the social
reintegration of convicted criminals.
Function of the
Department
Designs and implements comprehensive strategies aimed at
supporting the efforts of member states to assess,
prevent, confront, and respond to threats to public
security, in a manner that is coordinated with the other
dependencies of the Secretariat for Multidimensional
Security
Develops evaluation, promotion, and management
mechanisms aimed at strengthening the institutional
capacity of member states to design and implement public
policies that enable them to address the public security
needs of the population.
Participates, in its own or a delegated capacity, in the
political bodies of the Organization and, through said
participation, presents proposals, provides follow-up,
and delivers progress reports in connection with the
mandates for whose implementation the Department is
responsible.
Serves, as the case may be, as the technical secretariat
for working groups or advisory committees determined by
international instruments or the mandates contained in
General Assembly or Permanent Council resolutions or
declarations.
Advises the Secretary General and the Assistant
Secretary General, through the secretary for
multidimensional security, on matters within the
Department’s sphere of competence, and represents them
when they so request.
Establishes and maintains cooperative
relations with the dependencies of the OAS General
Secretariat and with governmental or nongovernmental,
national and international institutions in areas related
to its sphere of competence, in coordination with the
secretary for multidimensional security and the
Secretariat for External Relations.
Formulates and promotes
cooperation projects designed to strengthen the
institutional capacity of member states with regard to
public security, takes steps to ensure that those
institutions are viable, by either raising financial
resources or providing technical assistance, in
coordination with the secretary for multidimensional
security and the Secretariat for External Relations.
Reports to the secretary for multidimensional security
on the planning, follow-up, internal communication,
oversight, and evaluation of the programs, projects, and
activities that it is responsible for implementing and
on the administration of its assigned resources and
staff, and it develops and implements the internal
procedures required to that end
