Fbi's Reach: Can They Go To Belize To Find A Child?

The FBI is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. It has the authority to investigate federal crimes and threats to national security, as well as to gather intelligence and assist other law enforcement agencies. In the case of a missing or kidnapped child, the FBI will initiate an investigation, particularly if the child is under 12 years old. The FBI has offices and legal attachés around the world and can be contacted 24/7. While the FBI does have the authority to investigate certain crimes abroad, it is unclear if they can go to Belize specifically to investigate a child abduction or disappearance. However, there is a record of the FBI getting involved in the case of a slain journalist, Anne Swaney, who was killed while on vacation in Belize.

The FBI will investigate child kidnapping cases outside the US

The FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) team, created in 2006, has been deployed more than 100 times for approximately 108 victims, both domestically and abroad when requested. The team comprises around 60 agents, who are stationed at field offices across the US and are assigned to one of five regional teams. These agents are seasoned veterans of crimes against children, particularly child abductions, and have received extensive training. They are often deployed to the abduction site with FBI behavioural analysis experts and technical specialists.

The CARD team can establish on-site command posts to centralise investigative efforts, map registered sex offenders in the area, handle national and international leads, and guide investigative efforts using the FBI's child abduction response plan. They also coordinate forensic resources and incorporate the FBI's technical assets, which are increasingly important in time-critical investigations.

The FBI will initiate a kidnapping investigation involving a missing child "of tender years", even if there is no known interstate or international aspect. "Tender years" generally refers to children aged 12 or younger. All reports of circumstances indicating that a minor may have been abducted are given an immediate preliminary inquiry to evaluate evidence, circumstances, and information. If a case is found to be warranted under federal law, the FBI will open an investigation in partnership with state and local authorities.

The FBI can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. It has the authority and responsibility to respond to a range of federal crimes, cyber crimes, and national security threats. The FBI can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year, via various methods, depending on the nature of your inquiry.

Online

You can submit a tip or lead via the FBI's "Tips and Public Leads" form. This is reviewed by an FBI agent or professional staff member. Due to the large volume of submissions, you may not receive a reply.

By Phone

You can call the FBI with a tip or complaint about criminal activity. The phone number for FBI headquarters is 202-324-3000.

If you don't know which number to call to report a crime, you can call the Major Case Contact Center (MC3) at 1-800-225-5324 (1-800-CALL-FBI). This number can also be used to respond to local or national requests for information from the FBI.

If you have information about a missing or exploited child, you can contact the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST).

By Mail

You can write to FBI headquarters at:

> 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20535-00001

In Person

The FBI has 56 field offices in major metropolitan areas across the US and Puerto Rico. These are the places where investigations are carried out, and local and regional crime threats are assessed. Each field office is overseen by a special agent in charge.

International Offices

The FBI also has dozens of offices attached to US embassies around the world.

The FBI has offices around the world

The FBI has a global presence with offices around the world. It has stationed special agents and personnel overseas for over eight decades, building relationships with principal law enforcement, intelligence, and security services. The FBI has 63 legal attaché offices, commonly known as "legats", and more than two dozen smaller sub-offices in key cities, providing coverage for over 180 countries, territories, and islands. These offices are established through mutual agreements with host countries and are situated within US embassies or consulates.

The legal attaché program is managed by the International Operations Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. This division serves as a bridge to overseas partners and works closely with Interpol, Europol, and other international law enforcement entities. The FBI's international offices are typically staffed with around 250 special agents and support personnel.

The role of the legal attaché is primarily one of coordination and relationship-building. They do not conduct foreign intelligence-gathering or counterintelligence investigations. Their duties include coordinating investigations with host governments, sharing investigative leads, managing country clearances, assessing political and security climates, and providing timely support in defending US interests.

The FBI's international presence is crucial in addressing the global nature of modern crime and terrorism, allowing for prompt information exchange and quick responses to security matters.

The FBI will assist in the investigation of violent crimes against US citizens in Belize

The FBI is an intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities. The FBI's mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. The FBI has divided its investigations into programs, such as domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, cyber crime, and violent crime.

The FBI has the authority to investigate violent crimes committed against Americans overseas, including kidnappings, killings, and assaults of U.S. federal officers. The FBI also investigates crimes aboard aircraft and crimes on the high seas, such as piracy and cruise ship violations involving U.S.-affiliated vessels or U.S. persons.

In the case of a missing or possibly kidnapped child, the FBI will initiate an investigation, even if there is no known interstate or international aspect. The FBI will also monitor other kidnapping situations when there is no evidence of interstate or international travel, and it offers assistance from various entities, including the FBI Laboratory.

Belize has been cited for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. The country has a high level of violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related violence is also common in Belize, particularly in the Southside of Belize City. Due to the high crime rate, travelers are advised to exercise caution when visiting the country, especially when traveling to certain areas such as the Southside of Belize City.

Given the information above, it is reasonable to assume that the FBI will assist in the investigation of violent crimes against US citizens in Belize. The FBI has the authority to investigate violent crimes against Americans overseas, and Belize has been identified as a country with a high level of violent crime, including crimes against children. The FBI's involvement would likely be coordinated with local authorities and international partners to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

The FBI can help US citizens find appropriate medical care in Belize

The FBI does not have jurisdiction in Belize, but the US Embassy in Belize can help US citizens find appropriate medical care. The US Embassy in Belize has compiled a list of licensed medical providers in Belize, but it does not assure the quality of care of any of the listed providers. The US Embassy recommends that citizens verify whether their medical coverage covers the costs of medical evacuation to the US.

The standard of healthcare in Belize is low, and medical care in Belize does not meet the same standards as in the US. There are no level-one trauma centres in the country. There are only eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize, and they are underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied. However, the majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, and there are two excellent private hospitals in the city: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals.

Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important for US citizens in Belize, as an ambulance flight can cost upwards of $10,000. Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for emergency treatment. The healthcare institutions of Belize mostly recognize companies like Cigna Global, Allianz International, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

In the event of an emergency, the US Embassy may attempt to contact the individual's next-of-kin or other family. It is recommended that US citizens enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) and fill out the emergency contact page in their passport.

Frequently asked questions