Global Enrichment Program
One of the most critical factors to the safety and security of any community is a trained, ready, reliable, and ethical police force. It is in the public’s interest that police officers are well trained in the latest police practices and techniques, and that they are ready and prepared to perform in a professional manner.
Unfortunately, in many nations across the globe, police agencies are unable to afford, or otherwise provide, the training necessary to address even the most basic functions of modern police work. In response to this need, the IACP Foundation is proud to present the Global Enrichment Program (GEP), which is the first foundation program dedicated solely to the needs of police executives from the international community.
GEP Explained
Through the GEP, the foundation will defray the full cost of a two-year membership in the association for approximately 30 command level police officials from nations that are either under-represented or not represented at all in the membership rosters of the IACP.
This membership will afford senior police executives from the international community all of the rights and privileges of full IACP membership, opening the door for exposure to training courses, publications and networking opportunities that would have otherwise been beyond their reach.
Currently, the association has over 1,600 international members in 96 nations; an impressive number but certainly one that the IACP would like to see grow with the addition of diverse, qualified and motivated new members from additional nations.
Welcoming New Members
In May of 2008, the GEP was approved by the IACP Foundation Board and staff was ready to proceed with recruitment and selection of candidates; the natural method of outreach proved to be the IACP’s International Policing Division. Through its World Regional Offices, the international division began a series of directed inquiries to World Regional Office Chairs and other partners, requesting assistance to identify appropriate candidates for inclusion in the GEP.
By August, the division had received a number of qualified applicants that were reviewed and vetted, and approved by both International Vice President Mohamed Abdulaziz Al-Nassr and IACP President Ron Ruecker. The foundation is proud to announce that the first complimentary IACP memberships have been presented to three outstanding individuals.
The first two members come to the IACP from the Kosovo Police Service, which was established in September of 1999 and is a multi-ethnic institution employing over 7,100 sworn officers; 1,600 civilian support staff; and over 600 security officers. The IACP welcomes General Lieutenant Colonel Sheremet Ahmeti, who serves as police commissioner and Major General Behar Selimi, who serves as assistant to the deputy commissioner for border police.
The third addition to the IACP membership is Lieutenant General Mohammad Munir Mangal of the Ministry of Interior for Afghanistan. Lt. General Mangal is based in Kabul and serves as the deputy minister of interior for security (sic), a position responsible for a force of over 82,000 Afghan National Police officers.
More to Come
The foundation is pleased to extend to our international partners the opportunity to join in the advancement of professional policing through foundation sponsored programs. Both the foundation and international division staff look forward to welcoming more members of the international community to the ranks of membership and providing access to the unparalleled programs and services of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Interested parties concerning the Global Enrichment Program should contact Paul Santiago, International Policing Division Director, at santiago@theiacp.org or (703) 836-6767 ext. 350.