Police World Edition 2 2015

Article

Sampling ILDEP’s DNA One of the many benefits of IPA membership is the opportunity to develop yourself professionally. This is where membership of the world’s largest police friendship association is worth its weight in gold. Martyn Evans explains how the International Learning & Development Exchange Programme (ILDEP) helped an officer from Rotterdam. T he theory of ILDEP has been around for some time. However, more recently the IPA has developed this into a professional programme. visited a number of attractions in the city of London. At the end of the week I arranged for IPA members to meet Henk at a pub in the Baker

I contacted the DNA manager in the Metropolitan police and explained what the IPA was about, the ILDEP programme and Henk’s application. Having heard what I had to say she was more than happy to assist. Prior to Henk’s arrival I emailed a summary of how DNA is obtained in the UK explaining how the custody process works; how the samples are submitted to the lab, the DNA database and links to PNC and how samples are linked to crime scenes. This was to give Henk a head start in preparation for what he would experience when he arrived. Henk visited the Metropolitan police lab in Lambeth and saw scientists at work. He learned about what they do and how they do it. In order to provide Henk with a complete picture of how our DNA programme works he also spent time at the Lewisham custody centre - observing people, who had been arrested - thus learning about DNA being taken as part of the booking in process. It was not all work for Henk. He and his wife

Street area of London. It fitted nicely with other IPA members who were in London. We were joined by Spike from Cheshire branch and two other officers from Germany. The evening was most enjoyable. Gifts were exchanged and I had the pleasure of presenting Henk with an ILDEP certificate in recognition of his learning through the IPA with thanks to the Metropolitan police. It was nice to hear that Henk had thoroughly enjoyed his learning and that he was to use this knowledge to prepare a report for his home force. This was a very successful ILDEP visit and I am pleased to say that I have received another application for later this year. Martyn Evans , Secretary London North of the Thames branch

Towards the end of 2014, I received an ILDEP application from Henderick Baijens who is serving with the Rotterdam police, Netherlands. This was the first formal ILDEP application that London North of the Thames branch had received and it was an honour to be of assistance. Henk proposed an idea to his home force to take DNA from individuals convicted at court before they left the building. In Rotterdam, DNA is taken post conviction rather than on arrest like here in the UK. I spoke with Henk and his commanding officer about the visit and what they would like to get out of it. The answer was simple, to gain an understanding of the UK DNA programme and linked legislation. So off to work I went.

The ILDEP is open to to IPA members. For details of how the ILDEP works and / or to submit an application please visit: www.ipa-uk.org/ILDEP

Martin (right) presents Henk with an ILDEP certificate

POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 2, 2015

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