New Mexico State Police captains conduct a training course for the tbilisi Patrol Police entitled "Traffic Control and Enforcement."
From June 2-6, 2008, Captains Richard Williams and Robert Shilling from the New Mexico State Police conducted a training course for the Patrol Police entitled "Traffic Control and Enforcement." The students learned effective skills for directing traffic on Tbilisi's busy streets, how to deal with traffic violations, accidents, and high-risk vehicle stops in a safe and professional manner. Captain Williams and Shilling stressed the importance of the officers using their "command presence" to take control of high-pressure traffic situations and to ensure their own safety, as well as that of drivers and pedestrians. The Georgian police officers participated in several practical exercises to practice their new traffic direction skills at busy intersections in Tbilisi. The New Mexico officers showed their expertise by successfully directing Georgian drivers during high volume traffic. The Georgian officers also practiced high risk vehicle stops with several officers playing the role of armed and dangerous suspects. The New Mexico police officers had great respect for the very difficult job of the Georgian Patrol Police. Poorly planned roads, lack of driver education and disregard for traffic laws and safety by drivers create a difficult operating environment. The New Mexico State Police hope to return this fall to conduct additional training and continue to support the efforts of the Patrol Police to ensure public safety and to create smooth traffic flow. The State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Embassy Tbilisi, sponsored the training.
|
