International Officers visit North Yorkshire

Recently North Yorkshire Police played host to five international guests who took part in a placement with the force.

The placement, which lasted for a fortnight, was part of a 12-week course held by the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) at the University of York, entitled 'Reforming the Security and Justice Sectors in Post Conflict Countries' This is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Chevening Senior Fellowship Programme.

The international guests consisted of four police officers, Riza Shillova from Kosovo, Frederick Gbemie from Liberia, Habes Shrouf from the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Mohamed Ahmed Abaker Al-Daggo from Sudan and Nan Adikarilage Nimal Sarathsena, a captain in the Sri Lankan Navy.

From Monday15 to Thursday 25 March, the visitors observed many policing activities and initiatives and were able to experience first hand the policing approach in North Yorkshire. Of particular interest was the Safer Neighbourhoods team policing style and the way in which Anti-Social Behaviour is dealt with by partnership working.

Nan Adikarilage Nimal Sarathsena said "We are very grateful to the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police for meeting with us despite his busy schedule and for giving us a fascinating presentation."

Mathew Holt, Organisational Support Training Manager, who coordinated and hosted the visits along with Jack Woodhams, Community Engagement Officer, said "The recent policing visits from International Officers have been highly successful and rewarding. The visitors have commented on the friendly welcome they received and positive approach to Policing within North Yorkshire.

"They have found that the visit has enhanced not only their knowledge of policing in North Yorkshire and the different aspects of what we do, but also their overall impression of our Force and of Policing in this country. A huge thank you goes to everyone involved for sharing their time, knowledge and expertise with our visitors."

Sultan Barakat, Professor of Politics at the University of York, expressed his sincerest gratitude for the involvement of North Yorkshire Police, calling the two week placement fascinating and beneficial. He also said that North Yorkshire Police's involvement is crucial to the course's continued success and hopes to maintain the collaboration.