German officers get taste of American policing in Hartselle
For two weeks, the streets of Hartselle had a few extra officers keeping watch, but they weren’t just any officers—they were part of a unique international exchange program.
Six police officers from Germany participated in the Star International Exchange Program, staying with host families from the Hartselle Police Department and gaining firsthand experience of American law enforcement, culture and southern hospitality.
Manuel Kühbeck, Julia Feuchtmeier, Jan Seimund, Cheyenne Krebs, Alena Tibke and Marco Bauer hail from different areas of Germany, with most having met each other for the first time at the beginning of the program.
The exchange program, designed to foster better understanding and cooperation between international law enforcement agencies, gave the visiting officers a chance to experience a different side of policing compared to their work back home.
The German officers shadowed their American counterparts on patrols, participated in training exercises and even joined in a few local events.
Apart from policing, the exchange also included full cultural immersion. The officers experienced quintessential southern experiences, from backyard barbeques to football games. The group attended the annual Depot Days festival and a Hartselle football game, among other activities.
The group was able to tour the Morgan County Jail, meeting staff and inmates, and make day trips to other agencies in the state, including Oxford and Leeds.
For Krebs, one of the biggest differences in American and German culture is the food. She said her favorite was pumpkin pie.
Hartselle police chief Justin Barley said he believes this year’s program was one of the best HPD has hosted.
“There were several new agencies and organizations added to the itinerary and I know everyone involved in the Alabama chapter worked very hard to make sure our visitors had a great experience,” Barley said.
Hartselle lieutenant Linda Fox participated in the program earlier this year, traveling to Hamburg, Germany for two weeks. Fox serves as the president of the Alabama chapter of the Star IPE program.
“While participating in the program, I saw more similarities than differences in our police agencies,” Fox said. “Agency structure is different, but sharing the ideas for advances in training across the countries could be beneficial for all agencies. We can and should learn from each other so we can all be better servants to our communities. I feel that I have reached a personal goal of expanding our reach here in Alabama.
“Chief Barley has a wide network that I was able to tap into during this year’s program. We were able to add Oxford Police Department and Leeds Police Department visits to our curriculum. I want the program to expand across the state and the country. There are several states with Star Chapters, but I’d like to see that number grow,” she added.
Hartselle officers will continue to participate in the exchange program, Barley said.
“We hope interest and involvement will remain high, as we see this program as being very valuable. I know I have learned a lot from spending time with the exchange officers who have come here.”
