College of Justice and Safety

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EKU Justice & Safety Center & International Justice & Safety Institute Attend Policing Symposium in Dubai, UAE

Eastern Kentucky University’s Justice & Safety Center (JSC), and the International Justice and Safety Institute (IJSI) assisted in organizing the 14th Annual International Police Executive Symposium (IPES) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, held from April 8-12. The Symposium was attended by 185 law enforcement officers and academics from more than 40 different countries. It was by far the largest attendance ever experienced by IPES.

Participants met at the headquarters of the Dubai Police, who hosted this year’s event, to discuss “Urbanization and Security”. The symposium offered an unprecedented opportunity for police leaders, international dignitaries and law enforcement experts to interact and share best practice through presentations and panel discussions, as well as candid discussions during breaks.

The Dubai police welcomed participants in an official opening ceremony, which included a bagpipe and drum herald, and greetings from the Commander in Chief, Let. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim. Welcoming speeches were given by Dr. Mohammed Murad Abdulla, Director the Dubai police Decision-Making Support Center, Dr. Gary Cordner, Director of the IJSI at EKU, and Dr. Dilip Das, President of IPES.

The symposium included discussions on such important topics as Global Issues in Police & Security, Cybercrime, Policing and Multicultural issues, Urban Problems and Police Response, as well as presentations on security issues faced in Canada, Africa, the Balkans, China and Europe.

After a full day’s exchange of ideas, participants were treated to cultural outings organized by the Dubai police, including trips to the Dubai museum, a boat trip on Dubai Creek, and dinner in the desert.

The symposium was organized by IPES, who brings police researchers and practitioners together to facilitate cross-cultural, international and interdisciplinary exchanges for the enrichment of the policing profession. It encourages discussions and writing on challenging topics of contemporary importance through an array of initiatives including conferences and publications.

Dr. Gary Cordner, IJSI, and staff from the EKU Justice & Safety Center assisted with this year’s event. The IJSI promotes global and bilateral research, education and discussion about safety, security and justice – key elements of democratization, modernization, market reform, civil society and rule of law. The Institute forms partnerships with universities, academies, government agencies, and the private sector in order to increase understanding about the roles played by police, security, emergency services, and corrections in open and free societies. In addition, the IJSI facilitates information sharing between countries about best practice, lessons learned and new technologies pertinent to safety, security and justice.

The 15th annual 2008 IPES Symposium will be hosted by the city of Cincinnati, Ohio , entitled “Police Without Borders: The Fading Distinction Between Local and Global”, May 12-16.

For more information, contact Jo Brosius, Jo.Brosius@eku.edu.