PW_1_2024

Professional Development

Meat, Potatoes & Vodka: Counter Terrorism in Poland “Mike”, 1 Region, Scotland

A t Krakow airport, I was met by a man with a massive IPA Poland flag and matching t-shirt. Andrezj, or Andy, is a serving Colonel in the Polish Anti-Terror unit. Unfortunately, he didn’t speak much English, but we managed a conversation about his love of Scotland. There were IPA delegates from Kenya, Brazil, Serbia, Romania, Israel, France, USA, UK and even two people from Ukraine. We were taken to a traditional Polish restaurant in Krakow Old Town for dinner. Now I am quite a fussy eater, but Poland was my ideal place to eat, everything is either meat or potatoes. We then took a walk around the Old Town to burn off the massive dinner we had just eaten. On Monday, we went back to the Old Town, this time for a guided tour with an English speaking guide called Ewa. She met us in the main square before leading through the history of Krakow, up to the Wawel Hill, where the Castle and Cathedral are to be found. In the afternoon, we visited the Aviation Unit of the Polish Police in Krakow, spoke with the Pilots, and had a look around the Polish PZL W-3 helicopter. The helicopter is over 30 years old, but the internal workings have all been replaced over the years, and it is practically a modern helicopter. On Tuesday we visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine, on our way to our next accommodation in Zakopane. The Salt mine is 113 metres underground, complete with a cathedral that hosts weddings. On Wednesday, we enjoyed a relaxed day walking in the mountains above Zakopane, then touring a few famous churches. On Thursday we departed Zakopane for Uroczysko, and the IPA house near Jelenia Gora, which was a six hour journey. This was broken up with a stop at the Police headquarters in Wroclaw, where we were greeted by the Commander of Wroclaw district, Superintendent Wesolowski. In October 2023, I visited Poland, at the invitation of the Uroczysko Anti-Terror Section of the IPA. Having never been to Poland before I didn’t know what to expect. I had a great week, with excellent people, good food, interesting places and the occasional Vodka.

The IPA House

We then travelled onto the IPA House. This is like a fairytale lodge, high in the mountains. We nearly didn’t make it up the rough track, and everyone had to get out and push the minibus. We met Kiki, the massive Alsatian guard dog, there to deter dangerous wild boar from venturing near the house. At the IPA house we were greeted by over 100 IPA Poland members lining the driveway, who clapped and cheered as we got off the buses. We then had a feast (yes;, meat, potatoes, vodka and beer) which went late into the night. Saturday was our last full day in Poland, and the day to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the IPA Poland, Uroczysko Anti-Terror Section. In the morning, we attended a talk on the Polish Anti-Terror unit’s history, capabilities, and activities. During the afternoon we attended a ceremony in the gardens of the IPA House. We then had the final feast, for which I changed from my uniform into my kilt. This was an excellent trip, learning not only about the Polish Anti-terror unit, but about Polish culture (and other cultures) along the way. Wladyslaw and his family (Anja and Rosa) were gracious and kind hosts, and did everything to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable.

I have only been an IPA member for two years, and recommend joining so that you can experience trips like this, and make contacts from around the world. I’ve already been invited to Kenya and New York City, through connections made on this trip. Mike has asked that he only be referred to as Mike from Scotland, rather than his full name, due to his current policing role.

The Nysa Sausage Van in Krakow

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POLICE WORLD Vol 69 No.1, 2024