In Liechtenstein, the National Police are responsible for international police cooperation. Crime in Liechtenstein always has international implications and therefore international police cooperation in the fight against crime is very highly rated and international police cooperation is our daily business. In my capacity as the Head of Crime Investigation Division I am the point of contact in Liechtenstein for all our liaison officers (USA, England, Canada, Spain, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Russia).
In April 2019 I was selected by the U.S. Embassy in Bern to participate in the IVLP. This nomination was a great honor for the National Police as well as for me. After my nomination was approved by Washington and the government of Liechtenstein also agreed, I took part in the program – Global Threat Cooperation – from September 30 toOctober 18, 2019.
During the visit in the United States I was in Washington, New York, Minneapolis, and Tampa. I met a lot of representatives from law enforcement agencies as well as from organizations from the private sector. The topics of our discussions and meetings were cyber and economic crime, terrorism and transnational organized crime. Moreover, I heard a lot about the role of the three branches and three levels of the U.S. government and got a better understanding of the political system.
The most added value I got from participating in the program was through the expantion of my global network and by establishing personal contact with authorities in the U.S. as well as with other participants. In my experience, personal contacts are indispensable for the effective and efficient work of a law enforcement authority. As a member of the violence prevention commission in Liechtenstein I also shared contact possibilities with the U.S. Moreover, the participation allowed me to learn more about the culture and it was a great chance to improve my english ability.
My participation in this program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the most exciting experience I have ever had. I made many new friends around the world and our group is still in contact through social media channels.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the U.S. Embassy in Bern for my nomination and their great assistance. Furthermore I would like to thank the U.S. Department of State for the funding, the Institute of International Education for the administration and the Liaison Officers in charge for their support. They all did an excellent job. Finally, I congratulate the IVLP on ist 80th anniversary and I hope this program will continue for another 80 years.
