Devon & Cornwall Police Team Up with Royal Gibraltar Police

Devon & Cornwall Police have embarked on a significant international collaboration by signing a new twinning agreement with the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP).

This landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised during a visit to Gibraltar by Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell, who signed the agreement alongside RGP Commissioner Richard Ullger and His Excellency the Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst.

Enhanced Training and Expertise

The new agreement brings several benefits to the Devon & Cornwall Police and the communities they serve. One of the primary advantages is the enhanced training opportunities for officers. By collaborating with the Royal Gibraltar Police, Devon & Cornwall Police officers will gain access to unique training experiences in a different and challenging policing environment. This exchange of knowledge and expertise is expected to improve policing standards and operational effectiveness back home.

“Our support will include training, secondments, peer-to-peer support, and signposting to national best practice,” said Jim Colwell. “Criminality has no borders, so establishing international relations is important for sharing information and expertise to keep all of our communities and borders safe and secure.”

Boosting Community Safety

The collaboration will also help Devon & Cornwall Police address local crime more effectively. The exchange of information and best practices with the Royal Gibraltar Police will provide valuable insights into new policing strategies and tactics. This will enable the force to better tackle crime in Cornwall, from rural areas to urban centres, ensuring that residents feel safer and more secure.

Opportunities for Officers

For officers in Devon & Cornwall, the agreement opens up exciting opportunities for secondments to Gibraltar. These placements will allow officers to gain experience in a different jurisdiction, broadening their skill sets and bringing back fresh perspectives to their roles in Cornwall. This kind of professional development is invaluable for the force, contributing to higher morale and a more dynamic policing environment.

Long-term Planning

The MoU, supported by both the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, has been in the planning stages since 2019. This long-term preparation underscores the commitment of both forces to fostering a strong and effective partnership that will benefit both communities.

As international collaborations become increasingly important in addressing global criminality, this agreement marks a significant step towards enhanced safety and security for both Devon & Cornwall and Gibraltar. The local community can look forward to a police force that is more knowledgeable, better trained, and equipped with the latest in policing strategies.