2012 European Police Exchange Programme opens for registrations

CEPOL, the European Police College has launched the 2012 European Police Exchange Programme.

In 2012, the Exchange Programme, a flagship CEPOL activity, will offer one-to-one exchanges to police officers and scientific and research experts; teaching staff and educational programme developers; and commanders. There will also be group study visits to the European Union agencies that deal with justice and home affairs, including Europol and Frontex.

Exchanges are organised according to 16 topics, which have been identified as important to the safety and security of European citizens. In 2012, four new topics will be included: illegal immigration, container shipments, mobile organised crime groups and the network for fugitive active search teams. A group exchange will be organised on the topic of trafficking in human beings.

Exchanges are open to participants who have a minimum of three years’ work experience in the field of interest and must speak at least one foreign language. Further, participants must commit to cascading their newly gained knowledge to colleagues at a national and European level. Police officers interested in taking part in the 2012 Exchange Programme are advised to read the participants handbook and contact their national exchange coordinator (details included in the handbook).

The Exchange Programme, now in its seventh year has been steadily growing in popularity and in 2011, almost 300 people, from 26 EU countries took part in the exchange programme – the highest number of participants ever in a single year and a significant increase from 2010.

CEPOL Deputy Director Detlef Schröder said: “Last year’s Exchange Programme was incredibly successful and, with four new topics on offer, this year’s programme promises to be just as good. CEPOL, today more than ever, is committed to helping police cooperation across Europe to the benefit of European citizens. Thanks to the Exchange Programme, hundreds of law enforcement officers get the opportunity to share experience and knowledge which can only strengthen crime-fighting capabilities.”