Preventing And Combating Serious Crime Agreement

Belgium is the 20th country with which the United States has signed an agreement on the prevention and fight against serious forms of crime. Other international partners with similar agreements with the United States include Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Spain, Estonia, Greece and South Korea. These agreements – negotiated by the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Home Affairs – prevent those who commit serious crimes in one signatory country from pursuing illegal activities in another country and reaffirm the United States` strong commitment to reciprocal partnerships that promote the security of the United States and its allies. The United States and Japan today signed a bilateral agreement on the prevention and control of serious forms of crime (PCSC). The agreement will enable U.S. and Japanese law enforcement agencies to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime. The Agreement on Improving Cooperation in The Prevention and Combating Crime (CPC) allows the United States and New Zealand to cooperate more closely to prevent and combat crime and, above all, through more effective exchange of data between the two countries for law enforcement purposes. There are a number of data protection provisions that are included in the agreement. As part of the agreement, Belgium and the United States will use the most advanced technologies to exchange law enforcement data, including fingerprints, to better identify known terrorists and criminals in investigations and other law enforcement measures. The agreement allows for the application of specific mechanisms for the exchange of important information to prevent serious threats to public safety and requires measures to ensure the protection and privacy of citizens in both countries. The PCSC contains many provisions relating to the processing, transfer and storage of relevant data, all designed to ensure privacy and data protection.

Beyond its important practical value, this agreement symbolizes the common resolve of the United States and Japan to fight terrorism and cross-border crime. Our shared values and our common interest in the protection of our fellow citizens reinforce our commitment to deepening our cooperation. The signing of this agreement is a confirmation of the strong relations between our two countries. Under the agreement, parties may, upon request, exchange biometric and biographical data to prevent, detect and investigate offences punishable by up to one year in prison. The agreement provides for the automated release of fingerprints on a match/non-match basis, providing more information when a match is found. The agreement provides for the possibility of exchanging DNA data in the future if the laws and technologies of both countries permit it. There are a number of data protection and data protection provisions that are included in the agreement. In all cases, the New Zealand authorities will ensure that the investigation meets the criteria established by national legislation before the information can be made public. Data under the agreement cannot be made available to any third country, international body or private body without the consent of the country that provided it.