University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies

STUDY VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The delegation of the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, consisting of Rector, Prof. Zoran Đurđević, LLD, Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Tanja Kesić, LLD, and Vice-Rector for Interinstitutional Cooperation, Prof. Nenad Radović, LLD, visited the University of Central Florida in Orlando, United States, from 6 to 10 June 2022. Assistant Chief of the Criminal Police Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Brandić, also visited the University of Central Florida. The study visit was realized with the support of the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), whose delegation, during the visit, consisted of the head of the project “Institutional Capacity Development”, Ms Maja Milovanović, head of the project “Organized Crime”, Mrs Dragana Grujin, and former Program Advisor, Mr William Bochter.

During the five-day visit, the UCIPS representatives had the opportunity to visit the campus of the University of Central Florida, where they were presented with the entire work of the Police Station within the University, the way of collecting and storing evidence, the methods of interviewing, as well as with the problems they encounter on a daily basis. In addition, the delegation was presented with the work and curricula of the Valencia College’s School of Public Safety.

The Orange County Police Department also hosted the UCIPS delegation and presented their capacities when it comes to shooting ranges, firearms training methods for students and members of the service, as well as for the civilian population. In addition, the UCIPS representatives had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the K9 Unit, which is in charge of training dogs to detect drugs, money and explosives. During the study visit, the UCIPS delegation was introduced to the VirTra Simulator, which allows participants to prepare for the most difficult real-world situations, with realistic variables such as multiple and intense visual and auditory stimuli, the use of standard weapons and active return fire simulation. This unique simulator (training lasts 25 weeks) has interactive scenarios that help police officers improve their skills in using firearms under psychological pressure, in a safe environment. In addition, the Driving Range was presented, which serves to train police officers and students to drive under special conditions and forcibly stop vehicles during vehicle pursuits. On that occasion, the importance of control of police officers in traffic and presence of cameras in police vehicles was especially emphasized. During the visit to the Orange County Sheriffʼs Office, the delegation had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the Emergency Ops Center, Crime Lab, and the Investigations Department.

During the study visit, the delegation visited the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange. On that occasion, Deputy Director Jonathan Cute and Daniel Easter briefed the delegation on the manner of work of their intelligence fusion center, which collects and processes all information relevant to crime control.

On the last day of the visit, the delegation toured the downtown campus of the University of Central Florida and got acquainted with the study conditions, Library, Gym, lecture halls and the Moot Court. These visits, with exceptional hospitality, were led by Associate Provost, Dr. Ross Wolf, Dr. Cory Watkins, Dr. Jeffrey W. Goltz, Sergeant Michael Rosignol, Assistant Director of the Institute of Criminal Justice Steve Kelley, and Corporal Roberto Aristondo.

During the UCIPS delegation’s stay in Florida, potential modalities of cooperation between the two higher education institutions, possibilities for creating and implementing joint projects, and exchange of teachers and students were discussed.

You can see the photographs here.