In February, a request was made by the Department for International Development (DFiD) to put together a policing programme and team of officers to assist in the training of Ethiopian Police Officers in preparation for their forthcoming national election. Ethiopia's position in the Horn of Africa is increasingly important to the UK as a source of national and international crime in areas such as terrorism, people trafficking and drug smuggling and organised crime in general. The UK have a world renowned reputation for training in this area. In 2005 post election violence resulted in the deaths of 200 demonstrators and 7 police officers and DFiD were very keen to ensure that this did not recur. The Ethiopian Federal Police Force, which had primary responsibility for dealing with protests, demonstrations and policing the election was widely condemned by the international community for its heavy-handed and insensitive policing tactics. Having attended a pre-deployment briefing delivered by members of our armed services, and reading other relevant materials, one could be forgiven for thinking that we were about to be sent to a 'war zone'. Yes there were, and still are, some risks but the warm and positive reception and courtesy provided by the Ethiopian Police and public soon reassured us that we were extremely welcomed and valued allies. Having undertaken a number of deployments in many countries, it is quite clear that British Policing is the envy of the world, and British Police Officers and staff are without doubt the most respected - sentiments shared by our colleagues in Ethiopia. Anyway, the national election day was 23 May and pre-election events were already being planned. A lot was needed to be done and, as I was able to witness first hand, was delivered in a professional and ethical manner providing an opportunity for the Ethiopian Police to avoid the challenges and criticisms they faced in 2005. The population of Ethiopia is about 85 million with 32 million registered voters and 45,000 polling stations. One month after the election date it is pleasing to note that there has been no reoccurrence of the violence and loss off life of 5 years ago. 12 NPIA trainers delivered Strategic Leadership and Command & Control Training to 100 senior Ethiopian Police Officers. It was impressive to watch them march to the classrooms at the Ethiopian Federal Police University College to be welcomed and briefed by the team leader, retired Chief Superintendent Dick Barton. Dick is well travelled and he could not help but comment on how well disciplined and eager to learn his new students were. I was also extremely grateful to Sergeant Pete Jones from Hampshire Police who acted as my public order tactical advisor and helped write an Ethiopian Police version of our 'Keeping The Peace' manual of guidance for use during the election by the anti-riot police. As well as this, we were charged with delivering a post-shooting investigative capability to deal with any intended or negligent discharges. It was always hoped that these resources would not be needed to be deployed, but provided a very real response to any incident involving the firing of live rounds of ammunition, by the police or others. The mere capability was intended to be a reminder to every police officer that every action and decision would need to be justified as necessary and appropriate in the circumstances; I guess it doubled as both a warning and deterrent? So, crime investigation, crime scene investigation and ballistics comparison training was also provided. When my NPIA colleagues returned to the UK after a 'job well done' I remained to assist in, amongst many things, the implementation and training of 'EPIMS', the Ethiopian Police Incident Management System, a state-of-the -art CCTV system and control room and other integrated local and national command, control and coordination centres. I am sure I can speak for all the NPIA team when I say that this was a very rewarding and satisfying deployment, and despite many challenges, everyone left Ethiopia grateful for the experience and the making of many new friendships. However, this was not without minor difficulties. The daily journey to and from Sendafa from Addis Ababa was an adventure in its own right. The rainy season started 3 months early making the off-road conditions treacherous and uncomfortable, and extending a 40 minute journey into anything exceeding 2 hours! I still have dreams about this even now. Sometimes, it was difficult to judge just what impact we were all having? However, this was soon evident at the graduation ceremonies where very sincere and heart-felt thanks were given, making it difficult for even the toughest of British Cops not to well-up a little. Later on, and quite unexpectedly, I was invited by the Director General of The Ethiopian Federal Police, Mr. Workneh Gebeyehu, to meet the President His Excellency Girma Wolde-Giorgis who personally thanked me for the efforts of all my NPIA colleagues. I didn't have a camera with me, so nobody believes me when I tell them about this great honour. I stayed in Addis Ababa during the week of the election and was able to witness first hand the affects of our training. Just to see that the vast majority of the police remained unarmed throughout, the professionalism, and the employment of a more friendly and approachable demeanour spoke volumes for the efforts the Ethiopian Police have made to avoid the repeat of the events of 2005, and hopefully the assistance we have given. I left Ethiopia on the 28th May, and up until then, the policing of the election had been an unbelievable change from 2005! So, I must end with a big, big thank you to all those police officers (serving, retired and associates) and police staff who gave up the comforts and security of the UK to help make Ethiopia a better and safer place. You have certainly left your mark and enhanced the image and reputation of the British Police Service.
