Plans for a major increase in U.S. aid to Mexico to help it combat drug cartels have featured prominently in U.S. media this week, with two major newspapers dedicating front-page stories to the issue on Wednesday. Both of them quoted WOLA expert Maureen Meyer on the policy implications of the potential aid package. Plans for a major increase in U.S. aid to Mexico to help it combat drug cartels have featured prominently in U.S. media this week, with two major newspapers dedicating front-page stories to the issue on Wednesday. Both of them quoted WOLA expert Maureen Meyer on the policy implications of the potential aid package.
WOLA, the research and advocacy group, has long believed that Mexico's drug-related violence shows the need for full-scale reform of Mexican police forces. This long overdue reform package should include an overhaul of the police command structure, new internal and external control mechanisms, and better incentives for officers. Changes should also be comprehensive, not focusing on just a few problem areas in police forces.
The Washington Post's article, "U.S. Anti-Drug Aid Would Target Mexican Cartels," can be accessed here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/07/AR2007080702114.html?hpid=topnews
The Christian Science Monitor's article, "Mexico seeks anti-drug aid from the US," can be accessed here: http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0808/p01s01-usfp.html
WOLA's recent report on drug-related violence in Mexico and the urgent need for police reform, with proposals for which changes should take priority, can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.wola.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=viewp&id=476&Itemid=2
