FROM: U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
U.S. & Mexican Law Enforcement Officials to Meet For
29th Annual Policia International Sonora - Arizona Conference
Tucson, AZ – The 29th Annual Policia International Sonora-Arizona Conference (PISA) was held this week in Tempe, Ariz. This annual international conference reunites law enforcement agencies from all jurisdictional levels in the United States and Mexico. From June 5-7, attendees will gather at the Marriott Phoenix Tempe at the Buttes to address various law enforcement related issues plaguing both sides of our countries borders.
Every year the PISA Conference brings together 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials from both countries to train side by side in areas of bilateral interest including: Fraudulent Document Recognition, Computer Facilitated Crimes Against Children, PRISim (Professional Range Instruction Simulator), Mexico License/Plates/Registration, Critical Incident/Stress Management, Operational Planning, International Fugitive Investigations in Mexico, ProcuradurÃa General de la Republica, E-Trace & NIBIN, Mexican Documents & CRIP, Active Shooters.
David Gonzales, United States Marshal for District of Arizona said, "This annual meeting with American and Mexican public safety officials is an integral part of our respective border crimes strategies. Among the important issues we will focus on in the course of these meetings are; cross border cooperation, cartel violence associated with drug and human smuggling, fugitives, and prosecutorial/ investigative procedures. Our goal is to breakdown the obstacles in cross-border crime issues that reduce our effectiveness."
Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer and PISA President Bernie Castillo emphasized the benefit of the PISA Conference saying, "The relationship forged and information shared at PISA ultimately result in safer communities here and in Mexico."
PISA was established in early 1978 when two investigators form the Douglas Police Department met informally with two supervisors form Sonora State Police to discuss issues of mutual concern. Since that first meeting, PISA has grown to include numerous agencies from both countries. The purpose of PISA is to enhance international communication, train officers in laws and procedures across borders, and to continue the spirit of cooperation. This has been achieved between the law enforcement agencies of these neighboring countries by increasing cultural awareness amongst agencies and promoting a professional camaraderie with counterparts across the border.
