“They have professionals helping them set up [leurs] devices,” a police officer familiar with the criminals’ technological efforts told AyiboPost.
To communicate with each other, most gangs in Port-au-Prince use communications radios.
“They have professionals helping them configure these devices,” a police officer familiar with the criminals’ technological efforts told AyiboPost.
According to the agent of a departmental section of the judicial police and another police officer from Port-au-Prince, gangs, as well as other actors in possession of appropriate equipment, regularly listen to police radio communications — which represents a serious threat to the integrity of operations.
In some countries, law enforcement uses communications devices “encrypted”whose signal cannot be picked up easily.
The Haitian National Police does not have such a system.
And more generally, the use of new technologies for collecting, storing and analyzing information, the strategic use of drones and anti-drone technologies as well as surveillance cameras remains extremely limited, according to police officers and specialists. contacted by AyiboPost.
“We can fight against the gangs, but we need material resources, as well as solid training sessions,” declares another police officer whose gang burned down the house in Carrefour-Feuilles in 2023.
In some countries, law enforcement uses “encrypted” communications devices, the signal of which cannot be easily picked up.
The PNH is facing a personnel problem.
In 2022, the institution had a workforce of 15,474 police officersbut thousands of them have since left the country, fleeing insecurity, lack of equipment and underpayment.
“It’s quite frustrating to hear that they are going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a multinational mission, while the Haitian police officer receives a few hundred dollars,” comments the Port-au-Prince police officer cited above.
Read also: Police officers desert the streets of Port-au-Prince
For the purpose of this article, the officers requested anonymity to protect themselves and because they are not authorized to speak.
The police have a few drones, but their use does not seem to be part of a global and systematized strategy, according to specialists. These devices also require adequate training for effective handling, as well as intelligent use of the information collected.
The PNH had, for example, used these technologies during a failed operation carried out in Village de Dieu on March 12, 2021. Five agents of the institution were lynched in what a human rights organization had to period described as “butchery”.
It’s quite frustrating to hear that they are going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a multinational mission, while the Haitian police officer receives a few hundred dollars.
Or, drone footage taken above the city center of Port-au-Prince are regularly posted online by the Village de Dieu gang whose leader often demonstrates his tactical equipment, some highly sophisticated, with the aim of instilling fear, according to a specialist.
“Although these are apparently ordinary drones, there is still cause for concern, because we do not know to what extent [les bandits] can go,” analyzes lawyer and public security specialist Youdeline Chérizard to AyiboPost.
At least one entity within the police stands out for its intensive training to fight against armed gangs: the Temporary Anti-Gang Unit, introduced in 2023.
It is unclear how many members comprise UTAG, whose members can, according to an international security expert, conduct operations with any international force deployed in Haiti.
“This unit has the means and technology necessary to carry out its fight against gangs, whether in terms of rifles and other intervention equipment,” Ricardo Germain, head of department at the Ministry of Planning, explains to AyiboPost. and External Cooperation and security specialist.
Although these are apparently ordinary drones, there is still cause for concern, because we do not know to what extent [les bandits] can go.
Between 2006 and 2021, at least three five-year plans, known as PNH strategic development plans, were adopted with the aim of developing the police institution.
“Despite the millions spent [notamment par des partenaires internationaux]it is clear that nothing consistent emanates from these three plans,” estimates Youdeline Chérizard.
Read also: Why was the PNH Anti-Gang Service dismantled?
According to Chérizard, whether in terms of intelligence and logistics – particularly with regard to technology – the current situation exceeds the level of competence of the police.
“It is no longer a question of simply restoring troubled public order, but of a war situation facing increasingly well-equipped gangs,” says Chérizard. “Adapted materials for PNH are necessary,” she suggests.
In February 2024, a rapport of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlights the growing autonomy of gangs in Haiti.
The control exercised over the coasts opens up enormous possibilities for them to amplify their criminal activities, according to this report.
“We are facing transnational crime,” explains Ricardo Germain, who does not speak as head of department at the Ministry of Planning. According to the specialist, this began in the 1980s with drug and arms trafficking in the region.
It is no longer a question of simply restoring troubled public order, but of a war situation facing increasingly well-equipped gangs. Equipment adapted for PNH is necessary.
A source confirms for AyiboPost that the 5 Seconds du Village de Dieu gang and its allies practice transnational drug, arms and ammunition trafficking.
“This interconnection with individuals from other countries such as Colombia and Jamaica facilitates the exchange of means such as weapons, ammunition, and other technological materials, but also transfers of knowledge,” continues Germain.
Read also: Gangs increase attacks on boats off the coast of Port-au-Prince
In 2021, a police capacity building plan supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) envisaged equipping the Directorate of General Intelligence (DRG) of the police with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) equipment. ) in order to better conduct its operations in the field.
Linked to an efficient drone system, these technologies should make it possible, among other things, through fixed and mobile command centers, to carry out proactive surveillance, real-time intelligence collection, and the identification and tracking of criminals.
“When we analyze the police communications and the results obtained, we do not have the impression that these implementations have been made so far,” Germain explains to AyiboPost.
Gangs aggressively use social media to terrorize the population, recruit members and intimidate police officers.
According to a specialist, the presence of the PNH on the internet is “deficient” and certain messages disseminated by the institution “lack processing”.
“The Police should project confidence and give an impression of infallibility, but this is not the case,” notes Ralph Emmanuel François, analyst in leadership, political influence and communication.
Read also: Social networks, territory conquered by Izo and Barbecue in Haiti
In 2021, almost 1500cas homicides have been recorded in the country. These statistics increase to more than 2000 the following year to reach 4700 in 2023.
1663 police officers left the institution in 2023. Added to more than a hundred others killed in the exercise of their duties, according to the United Nations integrated office in Haiti (BINUH).
Par Wethzer Piercin
Cover image: A person operates a drone.| © freepik
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