British Delegations' Professional Visit to Hungary for Insights into Community Policing

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Article by Budapest Civil Guard Association President, Pál Kardos.

A British delegation, comprising Dr. Iain Britton, Research Professor, and David Pedrick-Friend, Commander of the Gloucestershire Special Constabulary, undertook a week-long professional visit to Hungary at the invitation of the Budapest Civil Guard. The primary objective of the visit was to conduct an in-depth study of Hungarian community policing models and practices.

The program commenced with the delegation's participation in the National Civil Guard Day, where Dr. András Túrós, President of the National Civil Guard Association, and Dr. Bence Rétvári, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, presented them with the Bronze Cross of Merit of the Civil Guard. This award recognized their outstanding contributions in the field of community crime prevention.

On-Site Case Studies and Institutional Collaborations

Throughout the visit, the delegation gained extensive insight into the operational mechanisms of the Hungarian Civil Guard and Municipal Law Enforcement. In Baja, Zoltán Bokányi, President of the local civil guard association, presented the organization's functions, with a particular emphasis on their role in border protection. The discussion was attended by Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Horváth, Head of the Baja City Police Department. Subsequently, in Bácsalmás, the delegation acquired practical field experience regarding border-related activities.

Following a presentation on the specialized capabilities of the Havária Rescue Group, the delegation proceeded to Miskolc. Here, László Kovács, Director of the Miskolc Municipal Law Enforcement, provided comprehensive information. The meeting was attended by András Hollósy, Deputy Mayor of Miskolc City with County Rights, and Police Colonel Dr. Richárd Bakk, Chief Police Advisor, Head of the Miskolc Police Department, illustrating the close cooperation between local public safety agencies.

The program continued in Balassagyarmat, where Miklós Vass, President of the County Civil Guard Association, elaborated on regional specificities. In Hollókő, Mayor Csaba Szabó presented the model of cooperation between the local government and the civil guard, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

Visits to Strategic Partners and Educational Institutions

Upon their return to Budapest, the delegation visited the Ministry of Interior, where Police Major General Dr. Attila Kiss, Chief of Cabinet, briefed them on strategic cooperation frameworks. Additionally, the National University of Public Service hosted the guests at the invitation of Police Brigadier General Prof. Dr. László Christián, Vice-Rector, providing an overview of current achievements in law enforcement education and research.

As part of the visit, a joint patrol in Budapest was conducted, allowing the guests to gain direct experience of the public safety challenges in the capital's entertainment district and the role of civil guards in addressing them. The program concluded with a cordial farewell dinner, where the intention for future collaboration was reaffirmed.

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The visit facilitated a valuable professional exchange of experiences, contributing to the deepening of relations and the sharing of best practices between British and Hungarian community policing organizations.