Police World Edition 2 2013

Article

Bruce Bennett, from Fife branch, was invited to represent Section UK in a police exchange placement programme with Section Poland. Bruce tells his story. I t was just a normal day in early November, I was sat at home ready to go to work for a backshift when I received a telephone call Polish Placement

wear to carry out their daily duties. During my stay in Poland I worked with the crime team, the criminal police, the anti-drugs special unit, the Road Traffic department and had a tour around the CSI department. I was also given the opportunity to use the indoor firing range and to fire the standard issue pistol the polish police use. During down time I attended an IPA Regional ten pin bowling competition, where my team came third and I won the highest score prize. I was also lucky enough to meet Pawel’s family and go sightseeing, which included visiting many beautiful villages such as Krynica which was located in the Jaworzyna mountain range near to the Slovak Republic border. During my stay in Krynica I had a meeting with the local Mayor, the local fire chief and the chief of the local mountain rescue. I worked with community police officers who made sure I was familiarised with the area which included going down a mountain on a toboggan! Prior to returning home I had the opportunity to have a brief look around Krakow before catching my plane the following morning. Words alone cannot describe how beautiful Krakow is, especially the main square which is steeped in history.

In addition to the cultural experience of visiting Poland for the first time I was most struck by how friendly everybody was. It would be remiss of me not to also mention the great food, drink, entertainment and hospitality which was provided. In the tradition of IPA events I have attended I returned home having made new good friends, I will certainly be staying in touch with them and have already been in contact via email. I hope this article will encourage serving members of the IPA to take part in any placement programme. This experience is now a part of my life that I will never forget and I will always have fond memories of my special time in Poland. I really cannot thank all of my new found friends over the water enough for their hospitality and kindness during my stay. Bruce Bennett Bruce Bennett (above left) meets a polish officer and takes in the sights (above)  To see more photos from this event visit: www.ipa-uk.org/Gallery-2013

Members of (IPA) Region 3 – Northern England are motoring ahead with a fund raising project involving a 1968 Morris Minor with vintage police livery. To raise funds for the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD), Region 3 have bought a Morris Minor, which will be re- sprayed in iconic panda colours and engineered to withstand an eye-catching journey in 2015 along the length of US Highway 50 – a distance of 3,070 miles. Mark Faunt, an IPA member from Scarborough branch, who came up with the idea, is delighted with the response from his Region. ‘I am grateful to the Region for making the funds available to purchase the car and to the many others who are offering support. There’s a lot to do – from work on the car to planning the journey and logistics. Interest in the project is already gaining momentum following press releases from Sgt Kelly McEwan asking if I would be interested In going to Poland for 10 days. I soon made contact with Pawel Grygiel, who would be my point of contact in Poland, and he sent me a copy of the intended itinerary. After conversations with Section UK President, Tom Crozier, and my Detective Chief Inspector, Ross Bennett, my flights were booked and the clock was ticking. On arrival in Krakow I was met by Pawel and Maciej Gorski and off we set to Nowy Sacz which was located some 1.5 hours away in to the hills. The next morning Pawel came to the hotel to pick me up and I was taken to the police headquarters of Nowy Sacz which is a new state of the art building and included an indoor firing range and underground car parking facilities. I was introduced to the Commandant and had some photos taken before being asked to accompany him to a morning meeting with his management team including all heads of departments and ranking officers of section stations. I was asked to say a few words about Fife Constabulary, which I did, including what personal protective equipment UK police officers

No Minor Challenge

Section UK Charity for 2013

and the launch of a special Facebook page’. The car will get its first outings in 2013 when it travels to the Region 3 AGM in Darlington, further afield to IPA’s annual conference in Torquay, the NPMD service in Cardiff, and across the water to Northern Ireland for the World Police and Fire Games. The NPMD is a Charity supported by Royalty, Government and UK Police services. The magnitude of the day is indicated by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales becoming Patron in 2006. The service, which rotates around each of the four countries, is held on the nearest Sunday to 29 September. This coincides with Saint Michael's day - The patron Saint of Police officers. The IPA has chosen the NPMD as its charity for 2013.

James Szkiler, Sales Director of Classic and Sportscar Centre, with Mark Faunt and Dave Taylor, after purchasing the car

12 Police World Vol 58 No.2 2013