Letter from Dan Norris, Lieutenant Administrative Services, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Dear Director Martinez,
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 to represent not only LEMIT and the college but Texas as well. During the two-week visit to the Police School in Slupsk , Poland , police officers, students, and professors learned first-hand about the Polish justice system.
July 22, 2006 through August 5, 2006, will eternally be marked as a pivotal period of my police career. It was extraordinary to have the opportunity to travel to Poland and study unbridled about their policing philosophies and methods.
Poland and its citizens have survived many cataclysmic and dramatic events throughout its history. One of the most remarkable events occurred in 1989 with the transformation of its government from communism to a democratic society. Since that time the Polish citizens have enjoyed a wide range of civil rights. Because of this the Polish criminal justice system resides in a relatively new democracy. Even now the changes are still coming as Poland enters the European Union. Rapid changes can still be seen in its future.
Since 1990 the Polish Police have struggled to implement a movement toward community oriented policing principals, to provide the best police protection possible, and to win the trust of its citizens. The police, nearly 100,000 strong, work in a national police system. Although the Polish police still maintain a chain of command from local police to the national headquarters, there is a movement to have a level of local control over the police by provincial government administrators.
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 wonderful country, its citizens, customs, history, and natural beauty.
I want to express my gratitude to LEMIT and Sam Houston University for allowing me the opportunity to experience the most valuable trip of my professional career. The Director of the program, Carolyn Martinez 's expertise, positive attitude, and valuable knowledge of travel and justice systems, highlighted a great experience.
Special thanks to Rita Watkins, Ed.D. Executive Director and Debra Gawron of LEMIT for their continued encouragement and support throughout this extraordinary journey called education.
Sincerely,
Dan Norris - Lieutenant (LEMIT-Class 28)
Administrative Services
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
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