Page 6 - Police World Edition 4, 2013

Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013
Article
6
Wednesday 15 May 2013, seemed
like any other Wednesday that had
gone before. My in tray was full of
lots of emails to respond to and neighbourhood
disputes to resolve. However, my eye was caught
by one email that said ‘two week placement in
Poland opportunity’. I thought “that sounds
interesting” but got on with my work. During the
rest of the day I could not stop thinking about the
email so I decided that I would make a
speculative inquiry. This enquiry ended up with
my boarding a plane to Poznan.
On landing my apprehension was soon put at
ease when I was greeted by two Polish officers -
one being my translator for the two weeks,
Przemyslaw Kusik.
My main base was at the city police
headquarters with Przemyslaw. On the first day I
was shown around his department, which was
the crime prevention unit. I was warmly
welcomed by all the staff there. I especially
enjoyed talking with the chief of police, Hubert
Haegenbarth, discussing the differences
between working practices.
Over the next two weeks, I met some fantastic
people who all seemed very happy in their work;
there was a mutual sharing of working practices
and genuine interest in each other’s ways.
I was given the opportunity to work alongside
many departments during my stay including the
custody units, both youth and adult. The youth
custody unit was of particular interest to me. It
was fascinating to learn how closely they work
with young offenders to get them back on track.
One of the biggest surprises for me was to learn
about the number of ranks they have in their
organisation and the fact that rank doesn’t
necessarily mean you have a higher position.
Many departments are run by lower ranking
officers than the people who work within them.
Even Prezemyslaw remarked that it was
confusing as he attempted to explain the system.
I was shown around the scientific department
and allowed access to all the weapons that had
been seized or used in offences.
I visited adjoining towns of Kornik and Gniezno
and was welcomed by both chief officers and
went out on patrol with the water police and
realised how important their role is. The
opportunity to take control of the boat was a real
highlight - it came back in one piece too!
Another thing that I was allowed to take control
of was a horse on my visit to the police horse
department. Again something that my police
service doesn’t have so I was intrigued to see
how much hard work and dedication goes into
training the horse. During this visit I was asked if
I wanted to get on one. “Of course,” I replied. I
thought “I have been on a donkey on Blackpool
beach, how hard can it be?” Well with much
laughter and a lot of struggling, several minutes
later I somehow had managed to get myself into
the saddle.
The proudest moment for me was to be
allowed to be part of the parade for the
Police day. A day that celebrates and
recognises officers who have
earned promotion.
The whole two weeks were an
incredible experience. Learning
about Polish policing and also
the history and culture of the
country was memorable. It is
an experience that I will
always cherish.
Special thanks must go to the following
three people: Agnieszka Smoczyk who
was my guide and translator. Witold
Drzazdzynski, The Section Poland
President, he must have worked
tirelessly to put the programme together
and nothing was ever too much for him.
And of course Przemyslaw Kusik, my
constant shadow, who was there to
translate and explain throughout most of
my stay. We ended up not just being
colleagues but very good friends and will
always remain in touch.
Finally I would say to anybody, if such an
opportunity presents itself, take it with
both hands.
Paul Jones, Cornwall branch
Policja
Placements
Two weeks on a Police Exchange in Krakow, Poland? Yes
please! That was the answer from the two members who
were selected to represent Section UK in 2013. Read
their accounts below.
Inside the control room at Poznan city headquarters
Paul (far right)
Catherine preparing for patrol