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The French Connection Kevin Silver , Devon and Cornwall Branch

Patrick Gicquel, Helen Taylor, Dany Canton, Kevin Silver, Celine Onen

The towns of Newquay in Cornwall and Dinard in Brittany, have enjoyed a twinning arrangement for many years. In true IPA spirit, Devon & Cornwall Police and Police Municipale de Dinard developed their towns’ friendship, into a Police exchange programme. Police World readers may remember an article by Mike Chapple, about the visit to Cornwall by three French officers in May 2019. A s a result of that visit a return invitation was extended, and I was delighted to be chosen to take part in the exchange. I An added bonus to our visit was that their 30th annual British Film Festival was being held while When not on foot patrol or looking after VIPs, I am pleased to say we had some of the most amazing

we were there. The town was decorated for the occasion with Union Jacks and bunting, for what was a very pro-British event. It felt rather strange, but it was a truly unique experience. I met some amazing people, both from the world of entertainment and the many film fans who visit to enjoy the experience. During the Festival, we helped Dinard officers to police the red carpet events. Supposedly, we were there to keep the crowds back from the VIP guests, whilst in reality, most of our time was spent talking to visitors and posing for photographs.

lunch breaks I have ever experienced. It was evident that Dinard is renowned for its food and the local officers were rightly proud to showcase this. As guests of the town, we were invited to dine on some of the finest cuisine in the area. While dining in Michelin starred restaurants with our hosts, it was slightly embarrassing to remember offering them a Cornish pasty when they visited Newquay. It is fair to say this was an incredible Police exchange, and I now consider Alan, Franck and all the Officers from Dinard to be good friends. Helen and I feel very privileged to have been given the chance to meet such kind, friendly and genuinely fine officers from such a beautiful town.

immediately booked my leave and contacted the other selected officer, Helen Taylor, to make travel plans. It was really amazing to be told that the IPA would assist us with some of the travel costs, as they recognised our exchange to be very much in the spirit of “service through friendship”. Helen and I flew from Stanstead Airport directly to Dinard, where we were met by Lieutenant Alan Alsters. The next five days were filled with what I can only describe as the most enjoyable foot patrol and public engagement events of my Policing career. Our patrols were always in the company of Lieutenant Alan Alsters and Capitaine Franck Ribanneau, both of whom

seemed to know everyone in the town. They were clearly liked and respected by everyone we met, and it was humbling to see the effort that the locals put into making us feel welcome in their town.

Alan Alsters, Helen Taylor, Franck Ribanneau, and Kevin Silver at the British Film Festival

Arromanches-Les-Bains - Kevin Silver, Alan Alsters, Fabrice Lipparini, Nicholas Gore, Helen Taylor, Franck Ribanneau

Kevin on the red carpet

Helen and Kevin

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POLICE WORLD Vol 65 No.3, 2020