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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. D 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. D 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

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.

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

POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.4, 2019

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