New York, NY, October 26, 2011 … A delegation of 14 senior law enforcement officials from the Northeast United States and one from Italy are in Israel this week to attend a counter-terrorism training seminar sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League.
The participants, from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, are meeting with commanders from the Israel National Police to learn how the nation deals with terror, and attending briefings regarding operational approaches, border security, monitoring of holy sites and media response during a crisis. These sessions will help the group to understand the psychological impact of terror attacks, allow them to meet with first responders and help them to learn about emergency preparedness at Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem. In addition to the formal presentations, the week-long seminar also provides participants with opportunities to tour some of Israel's archaeological and religious sites, and to learn about Israeli society.
"Given the security situation in Israel and their experience in dealing with terrorist attacks against civilians, the Israeli authorities are uniquely equipped to discuss and share counterterrorism strategies with American law enforcement," said Robert Trestan, ADL Eastern States Civil Rights Counsel who is leading the mission. "Professional exchange opportunities like this trip help to establish stronger relationships among agencies and help American law enforcement achieve success in thwarting terror threats."
The group consists of law enforcement professionals from local, state and national agencies including the New York State Police, New York Police Department (NYPD), New Jersey State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Suffolk County Police Department, Framingham Police Department, Newton Police Department, Belmont Police and Fire Department and Massachusetts General Hospital. A senior officer from the Italian National Police's Counter Terrorism unit is also be participating. The group will be returning to the U.S. on Monday, October 31st.