R 171548Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO SECURITY OFFICER COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS STATE 132056 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) 
CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: STATE 168473 
 
 
¶1.  (U) The purpose of this cable is to assist Regional 
Security Officers in preparing their Post,s Annual OSAC 
Crime and Safety Report which is due January 14, 2009. 
 
¶2. (U) Background: Supporting the U.S. private sector with 
current and useful security information is one of the 
Regional Security Officer,s and the Bureau of Diplomatic 
Security,s core responsibilities.  The Crime and Safety 
Report is an important document for the private sector that 
specifically addresses and identifies a country,s security 
and safety issues.  Country specific Crime and Safety Reports 
are one of the most heavily accessed reports on OSAC's 
website and one of the most often requested pieces of 
information by OSAC constituents. 
 
¶3. (U) OSAC Crime and Safety Reports are tailored to meet the 
needs of Security Directors in the American business 
community, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based 
groups and academic institutions.  By providing them with 
this information, they are better able to make overseas 
business and travel decisions for their organizations. 
 
¶4. (U) With respect to content, experience has shown that the 
most useful Crime and Safety Reports usually incorporate 
appropriate unclassified portions of the RSO's post-specific 
new arrivals, security and awareness briefing. 
 
¶5. (U) The Crime and Safety Report should adhere to 
the following outline: 
 
¶I. Overall crime and safety situation: A general 
   overview of the crime and safety threats facing 
   Americans in country. 
 
   ¶A. Crime Threats: vehicle thefts, personal robberies 
      and residential thefts. 
   ¶B. Safety: road conditions and road hazards. 
 
 
II. Political violence: The threat (if any) facing 
    Americans from terrorism, war or civil unrest. 
    The general frequency and location of public protests and 
    demonstrations. 
 
   ¶A. Historical perspective. 
   ¶B. Regional terrorism and organized crime. 
   ¶C. International terrorism or transnational terrorism. 
   ¶D. Civil unrest. 
 
 
III. Post specific concerns: 
 
   ¶A. Environmental, such as earthquakes and floods. 
   ¶B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents. 
   ¶C. Kidnappings. 
   ¶D. Drugs and Narcoterrorism. 
 
 
IV. Police response: A general evaluation of police 
    support for foreigners who are victims of crime. 
 
   ¶A. How to handle incidents of police detention or 
      harassment. 
   ¶B. Where to turn for assistance if you become a 
      victim of a crime and local police telephone 
      numbers. 
 
 
¶V.  Medical emergencies: How to obtain medical assistance 
    in an emergency. 
 
   ¶A. Contact information for local hospitals and 
      clinics. 
   ¶B. Air ambulance services. 
 
 
VI. Travel precautions: Tips on how to avoid becoming a 
victim. 
 
   ¶A. Alert our constituents to any crimes/scams that are 
      unique or especially frequent in your region. 
   ¶B. Include any areas of town to be avoided and best 
      security practices. 
 
 
VII. Further information: How to contact the Embassy. 
 
   ¶A. Embassy contact numbers: Regional Security Officer, 
      Embassy Operator, Medical Unit, Consular Affairs, 
      Political/Economic Section, Marine Post One. 
 
VIII. OSAC Country Council: Indicate if Post has an OSAC 
Country Council. 
 
   ¶A. Point of contact to include telephone numbers 
      and email address. 
 
 
¶6. (U) OSAC plays an important role in the U.S Government's 
strategy to protect Americans and soft targets in the Global 
War On Terrorism; the Crime and Safety Reports greatly assist 
OSAC's ability to support this strategy.  Each RSO,s time 
and effort in compiling and submitting this report is greatly 
appreciated. 
 
 
RICE