Above: a UN truck in Port-au-Prince (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Virginia-based Dyncorp International has been awarded a contract to provide support for the US contingent of UN police in Haiti.

The contract, valued at up to $48.6 million, was awarded by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under its “Criminal Justice Programme Support Contract.”

The military contracting firm will recruit and support 100 UN police and 10 UN corrections advisor, along with providing support for the Haitian National Police Academy.

DynCorp will also supply five French and Creole-speaking experts to advise senior HNP officials.

“We are proud to support this important program to enhance the rule of law in Haiti and help contribute to future economic development,” said Michael Vane, group vice president, Training and Intelligence Solutions at DynCorp International, in a release. “The DI team is pleased to expand our support and continue working with the HNP.”

The company has been working with Haiti’s police force under a contract with the State Department. That has involved the provision of training support for over 400 Haitian officers since 2008, according to the company.

The contract has a one-year base period, with three additional one-year options. If all are exercised, the contract will have the total value of $48.6 million.