ICITAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ICITAP was created in 1986 after Congress waived prohibitions (contained in amendments to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) to the U.S. providing assistance to foreign police and security forces. ICITAP's first mission was to provide training on criminal investigations to police forces in Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information about ICITAP's history, see Historical Milestones.

ICITAP works in close partnership with and receives funding for its programs from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Department of Defense.

ICITAP is an international development organization that works with foreign governments to develop strong law enforcement and corrections institutions through technical assistance and training. ICITAP incorporates principles of human rights and transparency into all its programs. Program areas include organizational development, transnational crime, criminal investigations, public integrity and anticorruption, specialized and tactical skills, forensics, basic police skills, academy and instructor development, community policing, corrections, marine and border security, information systems, and criminal justice coordination. For more information, see Our Expertise.

One of the primary missions of the DOJ is to support the U.S. national security strategy in combating international terrorism and transnational crime. To accomplish this, the United States must have effective partners abroad. ICITAP—which is part of the DOJ's Criminal Division—uses its technical assistance and training expertise to reinforce the DOJ's national security and law enforcement objectives. The equation is straightforward: by helping to strengthen the rule of law and law enforcement capacity in foreign countries, ICITAP helps strengthen the security of the United States.

In designing and executing international law enforcement development programs, ICITAP often partners with other DOJ organizations, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ICITAP also frequently joins forces with the DOJ's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT). Working together, ICITAP and OPDAT help host countries build integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the three pillars of criminal justice: police, courts, and corrections.

Vacancies for federal positions are posted at www.usajobs.gov. In addition, ICITAP works closely with its prime contractor, Engility, to ensure recruitment, selection, and deployment of law enforcement subject matter experts of the highest caliber. Contact Engility at www.engilitycorp.com or (703) 708-1400 and specify an interest in working on an ICITAP program.

ICITAP is working around the globe. View the locations of ICITAP's programs and field offices. (PDF)