Report on Poland by Lupe Garza, Lieutenant Narcotics Headquarters
On July 4 through July 17, 2005 , I had the opportunity to participate in an International Study Abroad Program sponsored by the University of Sam Houston Criminal Justice Division . The Poland National Police was the foundation of this study.
Poland has survived many drastic changes throughout the years especially its Constitution. On May 25, 1997 the indoctrination of Poland's constitution codified Poland's democracy of checks and balances among the President, Parliament, Prime Minister and several important vehicles of democracy, including but not limited to judicial review and legislative process, while continuing to guarantee the wide range of civil rights, such as the freedom of speech, press and assembly, which Poles have enjoyed since 1989. Poland 's population is 38.2 million people. Further, Poland is ethnically homogeneous; approximately 98% Polish with 90% being Roman Catholic.
The Poland National Law Enforcement Agency consists of approximately 100,000 employees, both commission and non-commission. The Poland National Police divided into two units; municipal and regional. On my first day of the study abroad program, in Legionowo, Major Janusz Nabialek presented data on the history of Poland , the structure of their agency and their duties and responsibilities. Major Nabialiek conveyed that there are five police schools located in Poland . Each of these schools is designed to offer specialized training to the Poland National Police. Major Nabialek stated that their police force is 50% women. However, there are only approximately 10-12% women as high ranking women officials in the Poland National Police. Unfortunately, the glass ceiling still exists and politics are the ultimate barrier for the turnover rate.
The Poland National Police Training was the most outstanding training I have ever encountered. It's comprised of two major components: basic training and specialized training. Training is available at various police institutions throughout the country, such as criminal investigation, intervention techniques, water patrol, managerial skills, juvenile delinquency, narcotics intervention, and pyrotechnics. The largest and most important training facility is located in Legionowo, where the study abroad took place.
Additionally, I was impressed with the Poland National Police modern technology on apprehension and detection of criminal offenders. I had the opportunity to experience and observe the Poland " Space Center " at the Metropolitan Headquarters in Warsaw . Motorola computer dispatch center faced a front wall where 16 flat screen monitors have been installed into the wall. The cameras were scattered throughout the city of Warsaw , in locations that the police encountered high volume of criminal activity. Old Market Square and train lines for instance, were scanned by the dispatch officer on duty and if criminal activity was detected a dispatch officer would notify a police officer in the immediate vicinity to respond.
Although Poland is relatively new to democracy, I believe that the Poland National Police are light years ahead of the police agencies of the United States because they seem to be living proof that a police force can act as a cohesive team in order to "protect and serve" the people of their nation. It is my belief that we should keep a long lasting working relationship with the Poland National Police so that we can continue to learn from them and continue our efforts on the fight against, crime, drugs and terrorism.
I want to express my gratitude to the LEMIT and Sam Houston University for giving me the opportunity to experience the most valuable trip of my life. I was astonished with the Poland National Police, especially with their advanced modern policing; their skills, ability and knowledge on different aspects of policing. American Policing lives in a glass jar and isolated environment until we compare other countries policing with ours. I am very grateful to Carolyn Martinez, Director, New Initiative at Sam Houston University and Janusz Nabialek from the Poland National Police. Their expertise was an asset to all the participants during this trip. Mrs. Martinez was enthusiastic and motivated throughout this critical mission. She provided guidance and most importantly maintained a positive attitude toward everyone she encountered. Without Mrs. Martinez this mission would not have been a successful one. Mr. Nabialek, our interpreter, was most polite and a considerate person to all of us. He saved our lives during numerous of conversations with Polish Officers. Without him all participants would have been overwhelmed. Further, I would like to convey that it's imperative that more law enforcement agencies and police officers be involved in this program, to observe what international law enforcement agencies and officers can provide and enhance our ability to become a strong police nation.
I also would like to thank Rita Watkins, Ed.D., Executive Director and Debra Gawron from LEMIT for their encouragement and support during this extraordinary event.
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