Eleven senior Police Officers from the Middle East visited Harperley Hall for the first Strategic Management of Digital Imaging Course, sponsored by the EUJUST LEX Mission and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The International Academy Bramshill and the Forensic Centre, Harperley Hall hosted the programme at Harperley Hall.  It was the first visit to the UK for the majority of the group - the cold weather and some snow affected most of the group during their stay, although they enjoyed the photographic opportunities provided

During the three week course they visited Leeds Armoury and Beamish Outdoor Museum for practical experience in photography. With Harperley Hall closing at weekends, the group also experienced social  trips to Edinburgh and London, accompanied by a Social Interpreter.

The course covered an extensive introduction to the workings and use of the digital camera in the field of forensic investigation. The group experienced practical training outside the classroom, in the on-site laboratories and in the Practical Training Unit. At the end of the course they had a practical assessment of knowledge gained.

The course was conducted through two interpreters but many of the officers showed their language skills and keenness to use new words that they had been exposed to - "histogram" in particular!

Although all from the same country, most of the delegates had never met each other before so it is very encouraging that the NPIA can be the catalyst for interaction between people based many miles apart.

The Final Dinner, held in the original Harperley Hall, hosted by Mr Shaun Mallinson, Head of Training and Development at the Forensic Centre was also attended by Supt Kevin Smith from the International Academy Bramshill.

Gina Glover
Course Co-Ordinator