Page 7 - Police World Edition 4, 2013

Article
Police World Vol 58 No.4 2013 7
Catherine takes over:
My amazing adventure began when I was met by my wonderful
hosts – Ola (Alexandra Gaczorek-Adamczyk) and IPA Secretary
of Region Krakow Andrzej Gaczorek.
The two weeks were action packed and I learnt a huge amount
and I saw so many things and met so many people... too many
to mention in this article. Every day I met incredible people
who overwhelmed me with their kindness and generosity and
who truly made me feel part of their family. Here is just a taste
of what I experienced.
I started working with the Oddzial Prewencji Policji (OPP), the
riot police unit - which was a brilliant experience. I watched
them train for a hostage situation and was lucky enough to
have a quick test of a Kalashnikov. Later a bonfire and BBQ
was held to relax.
In Krakow headquarters I visited the crime laboratory where
the lead experts are based for e-fits and CSI and I was given
demonstrations of equipment and how images of suspects are
created. A tour of the juvenile cells and the adult cells
followed. I met with the counter terrorist unit (Samodzielny
Pododdział Antyterrorystyczny Policji/SPAP) for a fascinating
insight into their role, and I had a good nosey at their armoury.
The underground range provided me with the chance to test
the Walther P-99 pistol which most polish officers carry.
I then went on patrol with Lukasz Adamczyk and Kamil Dacka.
We responded to calls including suspicious males, thefts,
intoxicated persons causing a nuisance and drugs searches.
The next day was football duty as I again worked with Lukasz
and Kamil on a late shift. The game was Wista Krakow v
Gornik Zabrze. Due to potential crowd trouble they decided to
pull me out of the crew and instead place me inside the
stadium where I could watch the game!
The water police took me for a spin on the river, and
demonstrated how fast their boats could go which was
awesome! I also spent a morning in the company of pilot
Henryk Mika and was given a guided tour of the helicopters.
On the last Friday I was honoured to be invited to attend
the Police Day celebrations. This event is held in Nowy
Sacz to mark those who are getting their promotions.
Many dignitaries were in attendance. I then went on
to the official opening of a brand new station in
Stary Sacz.
I would like to thank everyone I met in Poland
especially Ola and her family, the IPA for arranging the
exchange and my bosses who let me go! I look forward
to welcoming you to Northern Ireland in the near
future and introducing you to my friends in L’Derry!
Catherine Hainsworth ,
Northern Ireland North West branch
View
more pictures
at www.ipa-
uk.org/Polish-
Placement
Paul, with hosts, sightseeing in the beautiful town of Gniezno
Back in one piece
A real honour - on parade