An interdisciplinary exchange program in Boise, Idaho, held from August 11 to August 15, brought a delegation of 17 prosecutors, investigative police and forensic scientists from the Mexican states of Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, San Luis Potosi and Sinaloa  to visit local police, forensic and judicial facilities, and explore the roles of the 'investigative trilogy' in preparing a case for oral trial. The week began with a welcome from Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Consul General to Mexico in Boise, Guillermo Ordorica. General Wasden and his family welcomed the law enforcement delegation to their home for a welcoming dinner, sharing their deep commitment to the personal and professional ties that these exchanges create.

A second interdisciplinary exchange was held in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, where 62 prosecutors, investigative police and forensic scientists engaged in an intensive practical exercises course covering all phases of the criminal justice process, from initial investigation to oral trial.

During the second week of September, 14 prosecutors, investigators and forensic scientists from Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nayarit participated in an Interdisciplinary Exchange, hosted by Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. In addition to instruction from senior prosecutors and investigators from the Nevada AGO, the Criminal Division Chief and an Assistant Attorney General from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office provided instruction throughout the week. General Cortez Masto kicked off the week with opening remarks, expressing her steadfast commitment to the binational relationship that she and her fellow Attorneys General in both countries have built over the past six years. Participants observed criminal courtroom proceedings at the Eighth Judicial District court, toured and met with criminalists at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Crime lab, and carried out practical exercises with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officers at their South Central Area Command.

From September 22 through 26, a group of 14 prosecutors, investigators and forensic scientists from Campeche, D.F., Oaxaca and Puebla visited Seattle, Washington for an interdisciplinary Exchange, hosted by the Washington Attorney General's Office. The beginning of the week featured a variety of presentations and practical exercises surrounding various phases of the criminal justice process, allowing the law enforcement from Mexico to connect individually with law enforcement from the Washington AGO. Thursday morning the group attended direct and cross examinations in a robbery case at the King County Municipal Court, which concluded with a personal Q&A session with presiding Judge Monica Benton. The group next visited with forensic experts at the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab and concluded the week with a series of exercises executed by the Seattle Police Department Detectives on Friday.

In Guanajuato, Guanajuato, 3 instructors worked with 50 prosecutors, investigators and forensic scientists from various regions of the state at the state attorney general's office. The teams, working from the information in the presentations, participated in a series of practice cases from investigation through trial.

The CWAG Alliance Partnership facilitates collaboration between U.S. and Mexican state Attorneys General's Offices. Available services include:

• Contacts Database
  • Comprehensive, sortable contact information for people involved with AP trainings, meetings and events
• Quick-Response Contact Information
  • Direct contacts within the U.S. and Mexican AGO's for help on specific cases
• Case Consulting
  • Help with case preparation, from investigation to presentation in court, by a U.S. criminal prosecutor experienced in oral trials
• Office Reviews/Efficiency Audits
  • A team of experts observes and advises on processes and procedures, to help address a specific issue or give a general perspective
• Best Practices Consulting
• Experienced professionals share hard-earned knowledge about issues in administration of justice