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Haitian police more prepared to take over from U.N. trainers
September 15, 1997
Web posted at: 10:28 p.m. EDT (0228 GMT)PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNN) -- U.N. peacekeepers are preparing to leave Haiti in the hands of the civilian police force they have trained. But not everyone feels they are ready for the responsibility.
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The present U.N. force arrived in March 1995, six months after 20,000 U.S. troops intervened to topple an army-backed dictatorship and return former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power.
The military dictatorship that ruled Haiti was shut down, the army was disbanded and the country began forming a police force that has been trained by police officers from eight countries -- all organized by the United Nations.
Human rights observers are optimistic that the training has helped transform a police force that once served as the bullwhip of an oppressive regime into one that enforces the law.
In July, the United Nations approved a scaled-down peacekeeping force to remain in Haiti for four months past its scheduled departure date, to help assure the Haitian police officers were ready.
But there still are obstacles to overcome.
Gangs have strong toehold
"We don't even have enough weapons to match the gangs out there," said officer Jean Alous of the Haitian National Police. "I'm trying to do the best I can."
Haiti has suffered many years of near-chaos and bitter social strife. Under years of dictatorships, gangsters have had as much say in the day-to-day running of the country as the government.
U.N. observers say the newly trained officers lack trained seniors to look up to, and that that is a major problem. Also, basic equipment is often difficult to come by. One officer who lost his gun belt must patrol with a .38-caliber revolver tucked in his waistband.
'There are problems, but there is progress'
"No one has any illusions that Haiti's national police force is capable of going it alone any time soon. There are problems, but there is progress," said Colin Granderson of the U.N. Human Rights Mission.
Haitian-born New York City police officer Jean-Claude Legagneur, who is training Haitians in community-policing techniques, said the police now feel closer to the people they serve. And residents are increasingly seeing the police as their protectors, instead of enemies and oppressors.
The Haitian police have until November to learn as much as possible. And while both they and the U.N. officers admit more time would be better, they say things have substantially improved.
"Accountability is a word that was never used before," Granderson said. "It's happening now."
Correspondent Susan Candiotti contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Helping Haiti heal - August 5, 1997
- Security Council approves extended Haiti peacekeeping force - July 30, 1997
- Deadline looms in Haiti as U.N. troops prepare to leave - July 14, 1997
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