U.S. forces do not have a police role in Haiti, but do have the authority to protect “innocent Haitians” and themselves if necessary, according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who spoke aboard a military aircraft.
Haitian President Rene Preval said Sunday that U.S. troops will help U.N. peacekeepers to keepdkl order on Haiti’s streets, where overstretched police and U.N. peacekeepers have been unable to provide full security.
Wikipedia: René Garcia Prévall | Robert Gates