Ralph Rawsthorne is a recently retired Inspector from Lancashire who moved in 2007 from the Europe desk at Bramshill to the Assistant Policing Advisor in the Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi.  

"I had never previously worked in a Muslim country or experienced true Arab culture.  Business here is very different from the UK.  NPIA delivers courses for leadership and management for Captains, Majors and Colonels and we also deliver critical incident command training.   

We are considering some adjustments to the current leadership courses to reflect the changes that are occurring in Abu Dhabi and the other Emirate States which will ensure the training remains relevant to the roles of the local police personnel.  Some new courses are under discussion including a train the trainers' course and one for patrol officers to enhance their street skills and awareness.   

The region itself has potential for further training. I have been involved in advising the senior police staff in Qatar on the range of training that NPIA can offer."