The Foreign Service Journal, September 2005

wide array of contacts and resources that enhance the consular section’s general ability to investigate fraud. In addition, the investigator can provide assistance when the consulate encoun- ters applicants who might be wanted persons, alien smugglers or other “high interest” persons. Special Agent Sullivan’s tour in Mumbai has recently ended, but the contributions he made to the con- sulate’s ability to combat fraud will con- tinue to pay dividends. We are confi- dent that our second A/RSO-I, who arrives this summer, will be able to expand the investigative capacity of the pro- gram. Meanwhile, the Bureaus of Consular Affairs and Diplomatic Security have begun to pool their efforts in other ways, too. CA now grants RSOs (and domestically- assigned agents) access to the Consular Consolidated Database, giving them access to infor- mation on all U.S. passport and visa applications throughout the world, as well as to other key databases such as SEVIS (which tracks the enrollment status of foreign students). And an increasing number of new A/RSO investigators are receiving the same consular training as new consular offi- cers, enabling them to arrive at posts with consular commissions. With this training, and access both to the independent namecheck system and to our local IV and NIV system, the ability of the A/RSO-I to work with the consular section to combat passport and visa fraud should be further enhanced. The recent hiring of an FSN assistant to the A/RSO-I should further expand our abilities to turn fraud investigations into arrests, through improved outreach to Indian law enforcement. n F O C U S S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 73 The assistant RSO was able to turn several investigations by the post’s Fraud Prevention Unit into arrests by local police. Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” h finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives