HAPCOA Supports First Police Attachés World Congress

(Washington, DC) The Association of Police Attachés of Latin America (APALA) and the International Law Enforcement Attaches Organization (ILEA), with the support of the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA), held its First Police Attachés World Congress in Washington, DC at the Mexican Cultural Institute, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.

Those providing opening remarks included Ambassador Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez of the Embassy of Mexico, Commissioner General Manelich Castilla Craviotto of the Mexican Federal Police (Mexico City), Commissioner Nicolas Gonzalez (President of APALA), Mexican Federal Police Attaché and Pierre-Edouard Colliex (President of ILEA), Europol Attaché. Over 40 police liaison officers and Attaches attended this event representing Latin America and Embassy’s in Washington, DC from around the world. Also attending were members of several US law enforcement agencies to include the DC Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince Georges County Police Department, the Maryland Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and many others. Also attending were members of HAPCOA and the National Latino Law Enforcement Association (NLPOA).

The program included three outstanding law enforcement briefings regarding post investigation reviews on significant and high profile international cases. Presenting case reviews included members of the FBI Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties unit and its Art Theft Program of its Criminal Investigations Division who discussed several major art theft cases. EUROPOL presented a review of ‘Operation Cedar’ which was an international money laundering case involving 6 countries which ended as a terrorist financing case. Commissioner Perrin, of the Mexican Federal Police, made the final presentation wherein he reviewed operational details regarding the chase and capture of the notorious “Chapo” Guzman.

HAPCOA Executive Director Anthony Chapa was recognized and presented with an event certificate of appreciation for his help and support in organizing this year’s First Police Attachés World Congress. The HAPCOA National Capitol Region Chapter raised funds in support of this event.

Following the presentations a reception was held within the Mexican Cultural Institute, which provided an opportunity for attendees to liaison and make additional contacts.

Opening Ceremony: First Police Attachés World Congress, Washington, DC