Report on Poland from Lt. David Drosche, Brazos County Sheriff's Office
Poland International Police Program Experience
This program provides for so much experience in such a short time span. The Poland Program is two weeks long, which seems like a long time at first, but once you are in Poland being trained by extremely educated and experienced Polish police officers, learning about the intense history behind Poland, attending sightseeing escapades and getting to know all of your future friends which are attending the program with you, the two weeks disappears and you only wish you had more time to create more experiences.
I was amazed at how much I was able to learn in such a short time frame. The agenda we followed was very full and fast paced. I thought our agenda was very well organized. I learned all about Polish Law and the Poland National Police Force. There were several different areas covered on this trip, to include: History of Poland and the Slupsk Police School , Justice System in Poland , Criminal Code, Criminal Investigation, Prevention, Water Rescue, Crowd Management, Public Order and the Schengen Information System. This trip showed all who attended there is not much difference between Poland and the United States . The terminology used by all of the different divisions in the Polish Police System was the biggest difference. They used different words and sometimes different thought patterns to reach the same goals. Our ways of training officers are more or less the same, although Poland trains all of their officers in more detail at Basic Training and the United States trains just the basics and then sends officers to specialized training later in their career. It was amazing to see how far along the Polish National Police have been able to advance in the mere 16 years of its existence. I thought their way of training was outstanding. All of their officers are trained the same way, no matter what part of Poland they work. This creates national guidelines for officers to adhere to, which I believe is easier to defend or protect in court.
I was also able to see and hear about the extreme history of Poland throughout centuries of unrest. Poland went through several centuries of trying times, from the Medieval Periods to the World Wars to Communism to its current status. The group was able to visit several historic towns, such as: Slupsk, Ustka, Sopot, Gdynia , Gdansk and Warsaw . We also visited the largest Medieval Castle in the world in Malbork. I believe learning the history of Poland played a big role in how we interpreted Poland 's Policing Style. I think if someone did not know anything about Poland 's history or how hard they had to fight over the centuries, they would not see how remarkable Poland is today.
I was able to make many international contacts and communicate with officers of all ranks and from several different divisions. I enjoyed the opportunities we were afforded not only to talk to the new cadets, but to listen to stories and learn from officers of all ranks, including the highest of all Commandants. I discovered that participation in this program is a wonderful opportunity to exchange information internationally. With crime being a global issue, journeying across international boundaries opens the door to create a network of cooperation among countries.
I believe all officers need the opportunity to travel abroad in SHSU International Police Programs. I can't speak for other countries police programs, but Poland 's International Police Program was top notch. I truly thank Sam Houston State University and the LEMIT staff for affording me this opportunity. This trip was an experience I will never forget. I plan to use everything I learned while in Poland to better my own career as well as my agency. I hope any agency will support an officer and enable them to actively participate in this program and will facilitate the ongoing creation of these international affiliations. Officers walk away from this program with another family of friends, professional contacts, international contacts and invaluable amounts of knowledge they might not ever have gained without everyone's support.
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