( CNN ) -- Mexico 's frontal assault against drug cartels has been `` largely ineffective '' and in some instances counterproductive to reducing violence , a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee report concludes . The report , released Thursday , was produced by the committee 's majority staff ahead of a political transition in Mexico 's presidency and the U.S. election , both events that could alter binational cooperation . Going forward , a focal point of anti-drug cooperation should be training and institution-building in Mexico 's police forces and judiciary , the report says . By training police and equipping them to investigate drug-related killings , the military component of Mexico 's current strategy can be scaled back , the report says . Mexico 's Nieto calls for 'new debate ' on the drug war . Mexican President Felipe Calderon 's term , which comes to an end in December , will be remembered for a surge in the number of troops deployed across Mexico to help combat drug cartels . A number of high-ranking cartel figures have been arrested , but critics question if the government has achieved anything other than a reshaping of the factions fighting for control of lucrative smuggling routes . As the market for which a majority of the illegal drugs are destined , the United States has contributed to Mexico 's efforts through the Merida Initiative . Congress has appropriated more than $ 1.9 billion for the initiative , which has provided helicopters and equipment , as well as training for police and judges . The report calls for continuation of Merida funds , but says they should be aimed at helping the police and judiciary . `` Mexico 's presidential transition provides a new window to discuss and debate the best security strategies to deal with the serious violence plaguing Mexico , '' Committee Chairman Sen. John Kerry said in a written statement . `` As the political landscape continues to change in both countries , this report underscores the importance of continuity in two critical areas -- judicial and police reform . Mexicans have committed to these fundamental reforms and as tough as they will be to implement they are fundamental for any sustained reduction in violence in Mexico . These are worthy efforts that must succeed . '' Alleged Mexican cartel operative 'La Bonita ' arrested . According to the report , which was based on interviews in Mexico with authorities from both countries , as well as experts , Mexico has so far been slow to accept training for officers . Merida Funds for the current fiscal year will be largely directed toward capacity-building , and the report recommends that the United States continue to stress the importance of reforms . The report recommends continuing Merida funds at $ 250 million a year for four more years . Even if Mexico resorts to using the military as a stop-gap measure to combat the violence , `` increased civilian police capabilities will obviate the need to deploy military personnel for domestic security purposes , '' the report says . Mexico 's federal police force has made strides in both size and capacity over the past several years , but reforms in state and local police departments have lagged , the report states . The Mexican government can succeed only if it enlists the help of state and local police , the report says . It is a tall order -- corruption is most prevalent at the local and state levels , where officers are routinely on the payrolls of the various drug trafficking organizations . Enrique Pena Nieto , Mexico 's presumptive president-elect , told CNN 's Fareed Zakaria this week that he is open to a new debate on how to wage the war on drug trafficking , which will include a review with U.S. participation . `` What we seek now in our new strategy is to adjust what 's been done up until now . It 's not a radical change . It 's to broaden the coverage and , above all , the emphasis I aspire to of reducing the violence in our country , '' Pena Nieto said . The Senate report puts the number of drug-related deaths during Calderon 's term at more than 55,000 . On the border : Guns , drugs -- and a betrayal of trust .
The majority staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee releases a report on Mexico . It concludes that the focus should be on training police and judiciary . The report says the largely military effort has been ineffective or counterproductive .