Federal law enforcement in bi-national perspective: the United States FBI and the Mexican PFM

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === Mexico’s Federal Ministerial Police (PFM) agency was structured similar to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Although there have been significant reforms within the PFM, it has been ineffective at preventing criminals...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Fuerte, Erik M.
Other Authors: Nieto-Gomez, Rodrigo
Published: Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School 2014
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10945/43915
Description
Summary:Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === Mexico’s Federal Ministerial Police (PFM) agency was structured similar to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Although there have been significant reforms within the PFM, it has been ineffective at preventing criminals from orchestrating drug trafficking and organized crime. Institutional law enforcement policies drive the quality of police officers in an agency, and the policies in Mexico’s PFM agency have not been effective to prevent crime. In fact, the Mexican government has continued to rely on the military for its public security. Therefore, this thesis analyzes the organizational factors that contribute to police effectiveness. It uncovers the institutional practices within the FBI to then apply them to those of the PFM. The thesis analyzes personnel recruitment policies that feed potential recruits into its training system. It then evaluates training and education regimens to identify gaps within the curriculum that can be improved upon. This is followed by an examination of career incentives, which attempts to lure and retain qualified officers. In addition, institutional oversight is assessed because of its potential to control rogue officers and leaders. The thesis concludes with an analysis of funding that is invested by domestic and international governments and institutions to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement. Based on the findings, policies will be recommended.