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Article

A Spanish Exchange in London Jose Carlos Vicente Gorostiza , Section Spain

Carlos Vicente Gorostiza, is a police officer in Spain, working in the Valencia region. Recently he travelled to London and sought the assistance of Section UK. His story is an amazing adventure, giving him unrivalled professional development and cultural exchange opportunities.

L ate at night, in October 2022 , I touched down at Stansted Airport. Early next morning I met up with IPA London Reception Officer Alex Williams, and enjoyed a quick brunch (bacon butty/coffee) followed by a fascinating tour of Charing Cross Police Station, meeting police colleagues and learning about the different departments. The afternoon was spent walking and sightseeing in London, seeing famous buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, London Bridge and The London Eye, ending at the Headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, from where I enjoyed unbelievable views of the River Thames from their roof terrace. For dinner we joined other police officers including Jon (an Ertzaintza police officer from Pais Vasco Spain who was also visiting London), and then back home to stay with Alex for the night. The following morning we experienced beautiful Kent landscapes with deer, squirrels and country scenes around the beautiful 15th Century Knole House. In the afternoon we met Matt Atkinson (IPA UK member), along with some visiting American IPA members, and we all visited the Tower of London (with complimentary tickets). In the evening Matt showed me another side of this brilliant city, with a few beers, before taking me back to his home where he hosted me for the next four days. On Saturday, Matt and his friend Paul took me for a day of Airsoft activity on a hillside surrounded by tall pine trees. It was awesome. In the evening I was invited by the Section UK to attend the Ceremony of the Keys, afterwards enjoying more beer. On Sunday, we took it easy at Camden Market for relaxation and shopping for souvenirs.

A ride along with some of Matt’s colleagues was arranged for Monday at Heathrow Airport, and in the afternoon I was invited to the Personal Safety Training Course at the Police Gym. All too soon, I said goodbye to Matt and took the train back to London where I met Oz (IPA serving officer) at the Angel tube station. Oz works in the Islington Police Station, in a neighbourhood very different from what I had experienced so far. After a further ride along with Oz’s colleague Marioni, I met Nerea a Spanish speaking detective. Nerea was on her day off but she wanted to meet and explain about the work of her drugs section. She also introduced me to Danitza, another Spanish police officer working in the Metropolitan Police. In the afternoon, Oz organized a fantastic tour around Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and his neighbourhood ,where I was able to see the diversity of people. At night Oz surprised me with a Turkish restaurant, where we had dinner. I’ve never tasted Turkish cuisine, it was very tasty. I stayed with Oz overnight, and I took advantage of a day off to go shopping and discover other places on my own. On my final evening, I met with Alex again to thank him for his attention and the planning of my visit. We had dinner together in the Civil Service Club, and ended up sealing our friendship by tasting some exquisite Scotch whiskies. I would like to thank again, all colleagues from the Metropolitan Police who welcomed me, especially all those wonderful people and colleagues who opened the door of their home to me (Oz, Alex and especially Matt for letting me stay several days), welcoming me as one of the family. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, which would not have been possible without the intervention of the IPA Section UK. Thank you!

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023

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