Summary. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Haitian National Police (HNP), the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) offers a series of recommendations to help transform the HNP into an effective security force capable of countering the rise in crime across Haiti. Past experiences—from MICIVIH (1993) to MINUSTAH (2004–2017)—show that any lasting solution to the country’s security crisis must prioritize strengthening the national police.
Regarding the Haitian National Police, CARDH recommends the following: (i) Updating its legal framework to reflect new societal challenges, especially those that have emerged over the past seven years, and to align with the goal of building a secure state; (ii) Restructuring the high command to ensure clear, shared responsibilities; (iii) Equipping the force with necessary tools and technologies; (iv) Building the capacity of both administrative staff and specialized units—particularly through the creation of an anti-gang unit, strengthening of existing units to support it, and setting up an aerial support unit; (v) Providing high-quality, ongoing training to ensure a professional force; (vi) Increasing the number of officers to meet international standards—specifically, a ratio of 2.2 officers per 1,000 residents; (vii) Improving officers’ socio-economic conditions, including better salaries, access to credit, safer work environments, and functional health and accident insurance.
Regarding the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H)—seen as essential support to the police—CARDH recommends: (i) Technical cooperation to help reinforce police operations and assist with certain investigations.
On the judicial police, CARDH recommends: (i) Strengthening coordination and communication between the police and the justice system. Regarding the political authority overseeing the police, CARDH recommends: (i) Adopting a national security strategy and action plan, backed by a dedicated budget; (ii) Improving coordination within the CSPN (the body tasked with defining national police policy and strategy); (iii) Amending the decree of May 28, 2018.
