Spanish “Language Development” was the subject of a CEPOL seminar held at the Spanish Police Training Division in Madrid and Avila from 14 November to 2 December 2011. The aim of the seminar was to improve participants’ language skills in Spanish, learn about the host country’s police systems and increase participants’ knowledge of European Police Cooperation within a European context. The seminar was organised with the support of Austria, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom
Jose Maria Villarreal Criado, Director of the Updating & Specialisation Center in Madrid, gave the attendees a warm welcome during his introductory speech. Sixteen participants from France, Austria, Italy, Romania, Denmark, The Netherlands, Hungary, Finland, Poland and Lithuania took part in the seminar as well as two specialised language trainers. Activities were split into three parts: participant presentations, judicial systems/police terminology and EU Institutions (Interpol, Europol, Sirene, Frontex). Each participant gave a presentation based on law enforcement issues in their own country. Furthermore, different study visits were organised to Toledo, Stadium, Avila Police Training Center, Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium and the Prado Museum in Madrid.
During the seminar’s third week the participants moved to Avila, located 100 km outside of Madrid. Trainers from the Training Center gave presentations about their Safety Unit, their Investigation Unit and their Judicial System. Participants were impressed by the facilities and the work done in the Training Center. The attendees had the opportunity to take part in actual courses and to exchange information with Senior Police officer students.
On the last day participants expressed their satisfaction with the seminar. Two participants said:
- Everything was well prepared and the Spanish CEPOL team’s organization was excellent.
- I have never learned so much language as I have here. Thanks to both the teachers and the other participants.
