This decade INL has deployed U.S. police officers and related specialists to serve in UN civilian police missions and bilateral programs in Haiti, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo and East Timor, among other places. In addition to training, INL pursues negotiations with foreign governments to support the needs of U.S. law enforcement where it operates abroad. These include mechanisms for exchanging information on bank accounts, mutual assistance in criminal investigations, return of stolen vehicles and extradition of fugitives. INL's mission today tackles the vast range of crimes that originate in foreign countries and affect Americans here and abroad. Through diplomatic efforts and INL training and technical assistance programs, the Department of State will continue to carry out the President's International Crime Control Strategy as the 21st century begins.
Corruption is as old as history.
Corruption is as new as this morning's newspaper, in far countries and our communities. Until recently, corruption has been an unspeakable word in foreign affairs. With the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1978, the U.S. government has sought international agreement to outlaw business bribery of foreign government officials. In the 1990s, business sees bribery less as a tolerable local business practice than as an impediment to profitability. Economic development agencies recognize corruption as an important deterrent to investment and a drag on growth.