I was selected to participate in the International Police Program (IPP) sponsored through Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. I was not just representing LEMIT but Texas and my Department as well.
Poland was much different than I could have ever imagined. Of course, all I've ever known about Poland was the invasion of the Nazi's, the concentration camps, and the things I've read and seen on documentaries of that era. Much to my surprise, I found a beautiful country with a green rolling countryside and huge metropolises with modern streets and skyscrapers. You could see the traffic overflowing the streets as the growing pains of a relatively new democracy come to the surface.
The Polish National Police treated us with utmost respect and honestly acted as if we were royalty. We stayed at the Police Training Center in Legionowo. The accommodations were very nice at each location. The staff and interpreters were accommodating and very prepared as well.
Poland has only one police force. All officers, at every level, in every part of the country are national police. There is no such thing as federal, state, county or municipal police. It is all under one umbrella, and I saw how this is a positive thing in some ways but it also causes problems as well. The need for more local control was evident in some cases.
We were allowed access to all areas of the police functions. The itinerary included classroom lectures and presentations by ranking Polish criminal justice administrators, coupled with on-site visits to various police buildings, courts, and correctional facilities, banquets, many luncheons and dinner tours to points of interests. Taken together the program allowed a better understanding of the difficult process of criminal justice reform in Poland , but allowed a personal view of a beautiful country, its citizens and history.
I want to express my gratitude to LEMIT and Sam Houston University for allowing me the opportunity to experience a trip that will always be a highlight of my career. I will long be telling of my adventures and knowledge gathered while there. A special thanks to Dr. Rita Watkins for leading our group while in Poland and her continued vision and leadership shown as the executive director of LEMIT. Also, thanks to the Director of the IPP, Carolyn Martinez for all her efforts and assistance in making this trip happen. I would encourage any officer interested in this program to venture out and see just how fascinating it is.
Joe Morris - Lieutenant (LCC Class 26)
Corrections Operations
Randall County Sheriff's Office - Amarillo
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