Post by WorldBoston

Security diplomacy is one of many sub-fields within the wider world of diplomacy. Security diplomacy focuses on maintaining global stability through the improvement of law enforcement training programs, counterterrorism initiatives, crisis response efforts, and more. WorldBoston hosted three groups on this topic in May, with two IVLP groups on U.S. Leadership in Law Enforcement and one Custom Visitor Program (CVP) entitled the Law Enforcement and Security Exchange Program (LESEP). Together, these groups totaled to 45 visitors from 26 different countries. Meetings ranged from discussions with professors and university police officers to educational briefings with representatives from the state and local government. U.S. Leadership in Law Enforcement delegates spoke with sociology and criminal justice professors from Suffolk University and from Northeastern University for a joint meeting examining correctional environments. They also met with the Massachusetts State Police on security services at Massport and Logan International Airport, followed by a walk through of the Boston Police Department’s approach to ensuring public safety at major events in the city with former BPD Commissioner Billy Evans. The LESEP delegation was hosted by Cambridge-Northeastern Police Academy and Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) for two days of workshops examining law enforcement training processes. Both organizations provide instructions for new recruits, and while Northeastern University’s program emphasizes officer public engagement practice, the MPTC offers courses for established law enforcement professionals to further their careers and education. The group also spoke with representatives of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office for insights into prosecutorial approaches and an overview of the law enforcement and justice system in Massachusetts. In addition to these informative meetings, these visitors also had the opportunity to learn about Boston’s history on a Freedom Trail Tour and experience how sports are a key part of our community’s identity by attending a Boston Red Sox game.