PW_1_2024

Professional Development

was dispersed. The vehicle was a great machine, twice the size of a Dennis fire engine. As acceleration commenced and with two foot-teams either side jogging forward, it wasn’t long before the onlooking rioters were sufficiently soaked and were politely moved back from their initial positions. It was time to finally patrol the streets of Flensburg and meet its people. We split up into three groups, before moving out on foot, where the local population were suddenly introduced to a variation of colours and badges, proudly being worn. It became quite a game for some curious citizens to guess our country of origin. Interestingly, the Irish officers were confused with being Spanish, and the Belgians were thought to be French police, but of course, I was never once confused with another nation. Yes, you guessed it... the Custodian gave it away. It was overall a pleasant and gloriously warm, sunny day, with smiling faces all round. Perhaps, apart from the odd citizen, who received a ticket for riding their pedal cycle in the pedestrian only zone. We took a few hours of R&R back at the barracks, then later in the evening, we were collected and travelled to the now familiar control centre. Here we had a quick briefing for a traffic operation, in which everyone was excited to take part. It was Saturday night, and the plan was a drink driving offensive. Each of us foreign nationals were deployed with a pair of traffic officers, which made up around a dozen or so separate vehicle units. I was paired with Morten and Ulf, and we were assigned a patrol area in an outer suburb of Flensburg. Once on the road, it wasn’t long before we made our first vehicle stop and from then on, we continued to have various interactions with the public. There were certainly some highlights of the duty, which included a vehicle stop containing four male teenagers. I won’t forget too soon the look of surprise on one of the passengers, who had suspiciously red eyes and slowed facial movements. Once stopped and the traffic guys having initially engaged, I approached the side of the car in British uniform, I leant through the window and gave the best pronounced “Good evening gentlemen” I could. The reaction to me, was just priceless, and resembled that of a rabbit in headlights. My guess is the lad probably thought that whatever he had consumed, was a lot stronger than usual. Another highlight of the night was our mini pursuit, where we screamed along in our unmarked Vito van, with the distinctively German two-toned sirens wailing away. We were attempting to catch a speeding motorcyclist and luckily once on its tail, it stopped for us. Morten and Ulf spoke with the driver in a robust, but polite manner and carried out some stringent checks. A job well done. Now it was time to head back in for refs, following which, a static police control was to be setup. Once the static control was in place, we stopped multiple vehicles and checks were conducted. Towards the end of the shift, our control was interrupted by a drunk male stumbling along in a field. We found out after some investigation that he had unfortunately walked an hour past his intended turn off. Drawing to a close, we were out in the Police aircraft, where I must have given the impression that I knew how to fly a Cessna 172. Shortly after take off, I took the controls, to fly in a circle above the picturesque and historically rich town of Flensburg, giving the two Irish passengers in the rear, a slightly frightening, but most delightful air tour. On the final day, it was a great pleasure to visit the city of Kiel and the water police. We checked out their large patrol boat and took a RIB out for a spin

On foot in Flensburg

in the harbour. This was finished off with a delicious lunch and just before leaving the city, we bumped into the Prime Minster of Schleswig-Holstein. Needless to say, it was a wonderful trip and one I hope to experience again. I encourage all officers to apply for this kind of event, should the opportunity arise. I want to thank IPA Section UK and my local branch (Hampshire) for assisting in arrangements. Jan, Tore, Hartmut and all the Schleswig Holstein Polizei, again a big thank you to you all, and for all the effort that was put into making this happen. Lastly, thank you to the Guernsey Police, for authorising my attendance and understanding the huge benefit this experience has provided.

Water Police

POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.1, 2024

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