GTAZ Welcomes European Security Delegation Focused on a More Safe & Secure World

Last month, Global Ties Arizona welcomed the “Towards a More Safe and Secure World” delegation representing Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Latvia and Sweden.

The group started their day meeting with the Phoenix Police Chief’s Advisory Board. The Advisory Boards currently represent 12 communities throughout Phoenix including, African American, Arab, Asian, Cross-Disability, Faith Based, Hispanic, Jewish, LGBTQ, Muslim, American Indian, Refugee, and Sikh communities. The group was briefed on how Advisory Board members offer guidance and feedback to Phoenix PD to improve communication and relationships with the various communities the Board represents. 

The delegation’s next meeting was with the Director of Phoenix’s Office of Transparency and Accountability. Established by the Phoenix City Council in May 2021, the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT) provides civilian oversight of administrative investigations of misconduct allegations against members of the Phoenix Police Department and receives community feedback about policing in Phoenix. 

The program continued with a meeting at Spencer Fane, LLP,  to meet with Mr. Sean Whyte, Of Counsel. Mr. Whyte gave the group an overview of certain financial crimes including blockchain and cryptocurrency. 

The delegates received a special opportunity to join the Scottsdale Police Department for a Ride Alongs. Each delegate was paired with an officer from different precincts around Scottsdale so all had a unique experience and perspective of what it is like to be a police officer in Arizona.

The group visited Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport where they were welcomed by Ryan Smith, Director of Communications and Government Relations, to learn about the airport’s unique history as a former U.S. Air Force Base from 1941-1993. They also met with Mesa Police Department Officers stationed at the airport who shared how they work with federal government agencies to maintain federal safety standards. 

The group continued their program day at the Mesa Public Safety Training Facility where they received a tour and were introduced to some of the Training Staff. 

At the Mesa Real Time Crime Center, they learned about the RTCC state-of-the-art operations center that serves as the Department’s information hub, supporting public safety efforts to prevent and reduce crime and enhance citizen and officer safety within the community.

The delegates also enjoyed an in-home dinner thanks to our home hospitality hosts, Mr. Mikael Örn and John and Margaret Sellers.