Florida swap
Tuesday, 20 June, 2017
• Orange County Sheriff's Office visit the mounted branch
The City of London Police welcomed six reserve deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) in Florida to the Square Mile as part of a learning exchange between the two police services.
Arriving on Monday 8 May 2017 the Floridian officers first met with Commander Richard Woolford and Special Constabulary Commander James Phipson before touring the control room. The first day of the visit concluded with a guided tour around the Old Bailey.
As part of the trip that focused on sharing information and best practice between the different forces the reserve officers visited the City of London Police public order training facility in Gravesend.
The visit concluded with the visiting officers joining their UK counterparts on patrol in the Square Mile and iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral.
Earlier in the year, six City of London Police special constables visited the Orange County Sheriff’s Office where they toured the central Florida Courthouse, attended demonstrations by OCSO Specialty Units and joined reserve officers out on patrol.
Special Commander Ian Miller said: “Members of the special constabulary are drawn from all walks of life and give up their time freely and act as a vital link between the regular police service and the community. Exchanges such as this are hugely important for sharing how we do things and making sure we deliver the best service we can to the public.
“Last week was a great opportunity to share experiences and best practices with regard to the challenges faced by volunteer police officers. I hope that the reserve deputies found it useful and informative to see how we do things here in the Square Mile!”
Reserve Chief Deputy Ross Wolf from Orange County Sheriff's Office said: "This program underscores the importance of looking at our own organizations through a new lens-- we have been able to discuss things that work, things that don't work, and varying solutions to challenges that are faced in managing a volunteer program that serves such an important role in society.
“Volunteer policing can be a nexus between communities and the police that serve them, but through programs such as this, is also a way to create strong international positive professional friendships."
