Professor Sepulveda

As an integral part of the academic program for the Colombian National Police, the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies implemented a week-long course for 37 police officers at the levels of Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel who were selected for promotion. This program, which started in 2008, is designed to support the capacity of the leaders of the National Police with regard to hemispheric security, thereby contributing to the creation of a climate of cooperation in the fight against common threats within the States of the Hemisphere.

The course, which took place on the grounds of the Colombian National Police from October 8–12, was developed on the basis of four fundamental elements: reading and analysis of texts and articles assigned for each day’s discussions; participating in classes and lectures in plenary sessions; small group discussions; and conducting scenario-based exercises. CHDS Professors Manuel Lora, Patricia Escamilla-Hamm, and Isidro Sepúlveda designed and implemented this course for the National Police.

Professors Lora and Escamilla-Hamm

The Deputy Director General of the Colombian National Police, Lieutenant General Edgard Vale, who was present at both the opening and closing ceremonies, expressed his appreciation for the opportunities given to the participants to analyze contemporary social phenomena, the international geopolitical map, transnational crime networks, and global politics of security against asymmetrical threats.

On behalf of CHDS Director Dr. Richard Downie, Professor Lora reiterated the availability of CHDS to continue to support the Colombian National Police in the development of their academic programs in an effort to strengthen their officers capabilities to confront the threats facing Colombia and the Hemisphere.