PW_4_2019

Virginian

Hospitality

at Its

Best

Phil Jones

, Staffordshire Branch

During our four week holiday in America, an IPA Travel Form led to a memorable tour

of the new Fairfax County Police Headquarters in Virginia. Local members Bonnie and

Jim Kraut showed us around their HQ, with its state of the art Communications Centre

and Helicopter Unit. The purpose designed HQ was light, clean and well supported by

technology. We saw no piles of paperwork anywhere.

an Courtney, a retired officer,

had amassed a large collection of

old photographs dating back to the 1940s when the department

was formed. The photos were a fascinating record of how the life of

a Virginian police officer has changed over the years. In fact, we recognised

our hosts, Bonnie and Jim in the pictures. The Chief of Police, Ed Roessler,

recognised the importance of the photographs and funded the cost of having

them framed for display throughout the building. One poignant photo which

caught our attention, was of the force providing support to the Pentagon

after the attack in September 2001. Glass cabinets displayed surveillance

equipment, weapons and uniforms. The photographs and the exhibits were a

constant reminder to new officers of the history that shaped their force.

We were shown the Polygraph Interview Rooms, fitted with all the necessary

technical equipment. Joe Hughes, a retired officer now Head of the Unit,

took us through the procedure and spent some time answering our

questions. This procedure is not used in England and it was very interesting

to hear how it was used in America. Although the test results are not

admissible in court, the contents of the interview can be admissible. It is

primarily used to confirm information or to focus an investigation.

The Communications Centre and Forensic Department were in a separate

building to the HQ. The Comms unit provided communications for several

Police Agencies and the Fire Service in Fairfax County. Roy Oliver, the

Comms manager, explained the hub

structure with its integrated visual displays.

I found this particularly interesting as my last

posting was as Force Comms Radio Officer.

The Police Helicopter Unit has two helicopters, which guaranteed them

24 hour availability. Originally the pilots were all Police Officers, although

now they also use pilots who are not sworn officers. Emergency medical

personnel also form part of the crew. Sadly, we weren’t offered a ride.

Our hosts took us to lunch at the Mission BBQ restaurant, which serves

as the informal police cafeteria. They give a special welcome to the Police,

Fire and Military. The walls are decorated with lots of badges, patches and

photos, and the restaurant is a huge supporter of their social functions

and fund raising.

Jokes and anecdotes about police life in general were shared and one

interesting question was raised about if the British Police would ever

be armed. There was some thoughtfulness when told that if this were

to happen; it would completely change the ethos of our Police and

its relationship with the public. One thing evident from our hosts and

those that we met, was the pride and esteem they had in their Police

Department. We were very grateful for their time and hope to be able to

repay their hospitality at some time.

Anderlecht

Reunion

John Bull

, IPA Thames Valley Branch

In 1983 our Branch took up an invitation from ReinlandPhalz Branch to visit our

Twin Town of Wittlich in Germany. Their invitation was to join in celebrating the

25th anniversary of their IPA Branch.

uring our visit we met Rene Vuylsteke,

an Officer with Anderlecht

Police in Brussels. Rene invited us to the following year’s Annual

International Police March in Anderlecht, which became the first of

25 return visits.

Sadly, the Anderlecht Police March ended some years ago when the

organising committee all retired. But they did end on a happy note, as

the last event featured an International Police wedding. Rita Egyed from

Brussels and Willi Hoelker, a member of the U S Military Security Police at

Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany were married in the Anderlecht Town

Hall, and were provided with an honour guard of international Police Officers

bearing the Belgian Royal Guard’s ceremonial swords.

This year, on the weekend when the March was traditionally held, Willi and

Rita, who have both retired and still live near Ramstein, held a reunion

weekend in their home village of Godelhausen.

Eleven of us from Milton Keynes made our way to Godelhausen. Friday

evening was spent at a restaurant, set in a nature park with wonderful views

over the wooded valley. We were given an enormous meal and spent the

evening catching up with old friends from Belgium, Germany and England.

On Saturday, following a hearty breakfast in a local bakery, we travelled

by coach to Bad Durkheim, which is a spa town in the Pfaltz wine growing

area. The town was hosting a music festival, so was crowded with locals

and tourists. After a light lunch we walked around the town taking in the

atmosphere and sampling the local wine. We also visited the largest wine

barrel in the world, where we posed for photographs. Back in Godelhausen,

our evening meal was spit roasted pig on a bed of fried potatoes. More beer

and wine fuelled our reminiscences. Sunday morning saw us breakfasting

at the same restaurant we had visited on Friday. Fond farewells followed

breakfast and we all set off for home.

Our hosts, Willi & Rita, went beyond the call of duty to provide 40 of us with

everything we needed. They found us great lodgings and laid on all the food,

the total cost was 100 euros per person, which seemed wonderful value.

Thank you Willi & Rita for all your hard work.

Article

POLICE WORLD

Vol 64 No.4, 2019