International Strategic Leadership Programme - A Student's View

27 June 2008

Quinn McCartney

Quinn W McCartney is Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in The Royal Bahamas Police Force, based in the capital Nassau.

This is my second sojourn to Bramshill.  Previously, I had the privilege of attending the International Commanders' Programme back in 2000.  I am here again.... this time attending the International Strategic Leadership Programme.

Upon my arrival, I reminisced as the taxi drove up the driveway of the impressive estate.  Nothing seemed to have changed much.  As the taxi slowly moved, I could not help but feel a sense of nostalgia as the historic mansion - the signature piece of the Bramshill estate - grew in size with each passing second.  I smiled.... recalling the many stories associated with the mansion.... and as I resigned myself to the fact that this was "home" for the next 16 weeks.

My first encounter with Bramshill proved to be an exciting experience and I left here much richer than when I came.  Not only did I have the opportunity to meet colleagues from different countries and share their policing experience, but I was also exposed to new methods and "best practices" that could help to make my own organisation, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, better.

The International Strategic Leadership Programme is living up to its billing..... it is significantly different to the International Commanders' Programme..... yet in some respects there are similarities.  There are 8 other students on this course and the different personalities and shared experiences add to the quality of the learning experience.  This programme is forcing me to dig deeper, not only to be a more "strategic thinking" individual, but also in helping me to develop my leadership skills.

I have been here for only 6 weeks but the sacrifice has been worth it so far.  The prospectus states that this course is to "develop future leaders" in police organisations.  I am excited to return to my police force to be able to make a further contribution to its development and to pave the way for the next generation of participants of this prestigious programme at Bramshill.