Border Security Center (BORSEC) was established at New Mexico Tech to work closely with Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement authorities from New Mexico and neighboring states and to provide research, education, training, and technical assistance programs and initiatives specifically addressing the violence linked to drug trafficking. New Mexico Tech's BORSEC, partially funded via a multi year Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, is developing and delivering specialized training to law enforcement officers in countering kidnapping, extortion, and extreme violence associated with drug trafficking and border smuggling in the Southwest. Particular emphasis in these programs is placed on preparing patrol officers to counter the extreme threats associated with the use of high powered weapons and para-military tactics increasingly being employed by drug smugglers and associated gangs.