The Central America Regional Security Initiative

The Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) responds to threats to security and supplements the strategies and programs the nations of Central America are implementing on their own and in cooperation with other countries.

A Shared Partnership

CARSI is coordinated with other nations, international financial institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the Central American Integration System (SICA). It is a coordinated approach that draws upon the expertise and efforts of like-minded donors supporting the citizen safety goals of Central American countries. (fact sheet)

Safe Streets

The deteriorating security situation in Central America is evident on the streets and within the neighborhoods of the region and has led to a rapid decline in citizen safety. In addition to increases in all types of crime, the region has some of the world’s highest per capita murder rates. (Fact sheet)

State Presence and Security in At-Risk Communities

Gangs, narcotics traffickers, and organized criminal groups are making significant inroads throughout Central America – in many instances exerting control over entire communities and in vast areas of territory.(Fact sheet)

Disrupt the Movement of Criminals and Contraband

Narcotics traffickers and other criminal organizations continue to establish trafficking routes to and through Central America, leading to rising domestic drug consumption in Central American countries. The widespread availability of firearms, including weapons trafficked into the region, increases the incidence of violent crimes. (Fact sheet)

Enhanced Levels of Cooperation and Coordination

Although each of the countries of Central America faces unique threats to its citizens, many challenges require regional coordination and cooperation. Central American governments share a desire to break the power, violence, and impunity of the region’s drug, gang, and criminal organizations and strengthen law enforcement and judicial institutions so they can advance the rule of law, resist corruption, and prevent the spread of organized crime. (fact sheet)

Strong, Capable, and Accountable Central American Governments

The United States, through CARSI and complementary U.S. assistance programs supports host nation efforts to conduct profound and self-sustaining democratic reform to their law enforcement, prosecutorial, judicial, prison, and related rule of law institutions to increase institutional transparency and protect government institutions from criminal penetration and influence. (fact sheet)