PW_2_2023

Article

Nazca lines

many police and military personnel, and from the way I surveyed the room when I entered, and sat in the corner with my back to the wall, he deduced that I was aware of my surroundings. Peru can be a dangerous place and we got to chatting about local policing and the problems of the region. He told me about his role in dealing with British Criminals convicted in Peruvian Courts for a variety of offences. Although in a voluntary position, he was able to visit British Nationals in local prisons, predominantly for drug related offences. Leaving Cusco I flew via Lima to Iquitos, the most isolated city in the world. Iquitos is in the middle of the Amazon, and the only way to get there is by boat or by air. I was contacted by the local police and after a night in 38 degree heat, travelled into the Amazon Jungle, where I spent three days in isolation. As someone who is terrified of spiders, I braved the jungle on my first afternoon, and saw a variety of monkeys, sloths and the scariest Bullet Ants, about an inch in length with a potent bite that brings about anaphylactic shock in nearly everyone they bite. Apparently, they are deadlier than the millions of spiders that are everywhere in the jungle. Thankfully I didn’t see a tarantula but had a very near miss with a small reculver spider. One had got into the dining room and was about an inch from my hand. I didn’t see it but one of the other guests with lightening reactions dispatched it. Apparently, they are more dangerous than the tranquil and sweet natured tarantula.

Returning to Lima I had two nights in the capital. I went for a walk in downtown historic Lima to find the streets all barricaded and checkpoints manned by riot police. There were demonstrations everywhere. It was the first time I had seen a near riot situation from the other side. The police were extremely patient, polite and professional, allowing freedom of speech, but clearly protecting those who were going about their business peacefully. I left them to get on with it and enjoyed my time walking, sipping the local coffee and eating a few cakes. Peru is a fascinating country. It offers so much, including the world famous Paddington Bear, whom I found on the cliff top in Miraflores. The diversity of the landscape and the people was amazing, and talking to the police gave me an insight into the problems faced by them in different locations. I would like to thank IPA Section UK for making contact with Section Peru. More importantly, I would like to thank Section Peru President Alex Ismodes, for his kindness inviting me to dinner with his family, and for all the arrangements he made to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the wonderful Peru. Since returning I have been able to help Alex network with other Section Presidents at the World Congress through one of my own connections, May-Britt Ronnebro. May-Britt was kind enough to introduce herself to Alex and extend that Service Through Friendship.

Machu Picchu

Altitude of 4444 metres

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

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