The Australian Section recently had the privilege of hosting the 2nd IPA World Seminar for Young Police Officers. Sixty one police officers from thirty nations representing 45 policing jurisdictions. The theme of the week was ‘One World of Policing – International similarities’.
In addition to every policing jurisdiction in Australia being represented, there were participants from Austria, Canada, Cypress, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Turkey, USA and Wales
The week consisted of a variety of information sessions, case study presentations and training exercises and demonstrations with subject matter including drug importation, illicit laboratory investigations and major incident response. Exercises included the Water Police, AGL Action Rescue Helicopter and volunteers from SES, Surf Life Saving and Coast Guard demonstrating the joint cooperation with Police in rescue operations. Wildlife rescue volunteers and snake catchers also gave the participants an opportunity to view some cuddly and not so cuddly Australian native wildlife up close and personal!
The opening ceremony took place at Parliament House with the Police Minister delivering a personalized video message. The Lord Mayor also hosted a Civic Reception at the newly renovated Town Hall.
ANZAC Day was an especially moving day for the participants with them all attending the Brisbane Dawn Service. The full contingent marched together proudly under the IPA banner behind the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums and Mounted Branch.
In addition to the professional development aspect there were several social functions which showcased the Australian way of life including the Outback Spectacular.
The Seminar ended with Gala Dinner which was attended by the Commissioner of Police and his wife and a number of the sponsors. (Thank you Triple B, Community Supporting Police, Alere, Queensland Police Credit Union and Tactical Advantage Queensland and all the other contributors that assisted us. Third International Vice President Kees Sal took the opportunity to present Michelle Harris and Paul Kelly with a Certificate of Merit on behalf of the PEB for ‘exemplary service’ in organizing the event. The participants danced the night away with Murphy’s Pigs who just won the Artist of the Year at the Australian Celtic Award.
Paul Kelly, the event coordinator, is to be commended on his tremendous efforts over the last two years. His careful consideration of the program ensured that there was a cross section of useful content which enabled each participant to gain further knowledge. Special thanks also to our Queensland Region Patron and Sponsor of the event – Commissioner Stewart. He has provided enormous support over the last year and a half and without out that support the event would not have been as successful.
All participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity that they had been given and believed that they had benefited professionally and personally from the entire experience. There is no doubt that the personal and professional contacts they have established over the week will last a lifetime.