Report on Poland 2006 by Bill Sala
I was recently afforded the opportunity to participate in the Poland section of the International Police Program sponsored by LEMIT. This trip was based out of the Polish National Police training center in Slupsk. The premise of the trip was to afford police officers and others with criminal justice interest from the United States the opportunity to obtain an overview of Polish police training, tactics, policies and Polish law.
From the outset, it becomes obvious that the problems and frustrations we deal with as police officers in the United States is a pretty universal concept and we all share the same basic problems and frustrations with the profession for the most part. The classes that were offered to us, as well as the instructors that were furnished, were top notch and provided a wealth of information for anyone with a willingness to expand their horizons.
In a historical context, I found it really interesting how many ways Poland has emulated United States type democracy - from the popular election of royalty, through a constitution that was conceptually closely allied to ours (and written just a few years later) and beyond. Of course by actually being there, you gain a much better understanding of the political implications caused by the continued invasion of Poland throughout history and what a country comprised of fiercely proud but friendly and simple people was forced to deal with as a communist satellite of the Soviet Union .
Personally, I found it amazing to actually see and gain an understanding of the birth of a police department that has only been in existence for the last sixteen years or so. It boggles the mind to consider the work it took to build a modern police agency for an entire nation basically from scratch - and make it all work. It's also very interesting to observe the growing pains firsthand and, again, to realize that these are the same frustrations many of us experience on a daily basis.
Of course, the trip was not all work. There was ample time for well selected sight-seeing trips. To actually see up close cities, buildings and other infrastructure that is hundreds of years older than ours - especially since many things had to be rebuilt after various wars - is really amazing and causes much pause for thought.
Our hosts were great people who welcomed us with open arms, a wealth of information that you would never be otherwise able to obtain, and a warm sense of camaraderie that is absolutely priceless. I urge anyone that is able to try to take this trip - it's a once in a lifetime experience that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.
Lt. Bill Sala, Memorial Villages Police Department, Houston , TX
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