A new unit has just been established within the Haitian National Police. It is the Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit (UTEC). An agreement to this effect was signed this week between Haitian and American authorities. The announcement was made on Thursday, February 15th, in a statement released by Homeland Security. The memorandum was signed by the Deputy Director of International Operations (AD) for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), David J. Magdycz, and the Haitian Minister of Justice, Emmelie Prophète-Milcé.

"The memorandum provides the framework for UTEC operations and details the responsibilities of both parties. UTEC will facilitate the exchange of information between law enforcement partners in the United States and Haiti, and enhance Haiti and the United States' capacities to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational criminal activities. UTECs are a vital element of HSI's efforts to strengthen partner nation capacity and combat transnational criminal activity at its source, thus preventing its entry into the United States," the statement reads.