PW_4_2023

Professional Development

CPD in North Rhine Westphalia Dan Owen , Merseyside Branch Two Section UK members, took advantage of a 10 day IPA Professional Development opportunity in Germany. They visited the North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) State Bureau for Training, Professional Development and Personnel (Landesamt für Ausbildung, Fortbildung und Personalangelegenheiten or LAFP). The LAFP provides operational training for police recruits, and a wide range of vocational training and professional development for all officers.

W ith us on this trip were Officers from Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. We visited the IPA House (with a bar). We were then invited to play a few games of Kegeln. (A game a bit like 9 Pin bowling) It got quite competitive, but was fun. Our evening finished with Officers from around the world swapping war stories and experiences. Day two began with breakfast on camp. A hot coffee and a mixture of German breakfast items, which went down a treat. We were then given a briefing and an insight into the structure of the Police in Germany. We learned how each department and Force worked and co-operated. A little later we were then treated to a tour of Burg Vischering. A castle in Lüdinghausen, a small town not far from Münster. It was certainly picturesque, with its moat, fortifications and history. We had a guided tour around the castle and the grounds. The atmosphere was perfect, with the smell of a local bakery in the air, and people sat outside enjoying themselves. After dinner, we travelled to Münster for a guided tour. Upon our arrival, we were met by members of IPA Münster, who fed us with locally baked goods and a few glasses of bubbly. We sat and exchanged our experiences whilst overlooking a lake and park. Our tour was directed by a retired Police Officer who had patrolled the area. The insights he provided were second to none. On our third day, we were welcomed by local IPA Officials, who gave us a tour of the LAFP North Rhine Westphalia base, at Selm-Bork where we were staying. The facilities, support and resources

were truly astonishing. We were told about the training and courses available for new recruits. We then took part in “Grenzgang”. A mandatory part of their Police training about ethics, the impact of decision making, as well as past and current challenges to Policing. The day ended with a BBQ and beers at the IPA House, where members from four nations got to know each other. On day four, we travelled to the town of Bochum, where their Riot Police are stationed. The team demonstrated extinguishing fires during Public Order scenarios. After this, several of us volunteered for first-hand experience of the Water Cannon. On other days, we visited the Duisburg Innovation Lab. This was like visiting the Men in Black. They provide the future of Policing. It was eye opening to see the potential of new equipment in fighting crime. Their resources were very impressive. Later we visited the Water Police and the Ministry of the Interior, where we met Chief Officers and discussed international Policing operations and cooperation. We got to try Virtual Reality Training, in a scenario involving an RTC. All in 12K Video! At the Federal Police’s Airport, we were given a tour by one of their Helicopter Pilots. We explored their aircraft, operations and exchanged professional practices and experiences with each of the Specialist Teams there. We couldn’t visit NRW without a trip to IBZ Gimborn Castle. Our journey through the stunning countryside was outshone by Gimborn Castle

when we arrived. The picturesque grounds and amazing architecture were unreal. It was truly magnificent to spend the night there. After our night in Gimborn Castle, we visited Cologne for a cruise along the Rhine. The professional learning and development were fantastic. To have Officers from four nations sharing knowledge and experience was amazing. I cannot thank my German hosts enough for this trip. I have taken so much away from it, not just professionally and operationally but personally too.

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

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