Each year, a unique opportunity brings together police students and lecturers from across Europe for a week of international collaboration and learning. This year, UWE Bristol Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) students Kennedy Marlow and Fay Workman from Avon and Somerset Police joined 34 fellow attendees from nine European countries at the renowned Rheinland-Pfalz Police Academy in Germany for the International Project Week (IPW), held from 19 -23 May 2025.
Hosted in the scenic southwestern region of Germany, the IPW is more than just an academic exchange, it’s an immersive, hands-on experience that allows officers to compare how policing is practiced across borders. Students are split into six diverse, multinational teams, each led by a final-year German police student. These groups spend the week diving deep into police powers and procedures such as vehicle and identity checks, searches, use of force, culminating in team presentations at the end of the week.
In this blog, Kennedy and Fay share their experiences of the week which offers a fascinating insight into how international collaboration can shape our understanding of good policing, both at home and abroad.
What were your first impressions when you arrived in Germany and met the local officers?
Kennedy: We properly met the other student officers on day one, when we were split into groups. Fay and I split, giving us the best opportunity to mingles and not stick together! My group included four German officers and four others from across Europe. The Germans were incredibly warm and welcoming, and our group gelled faster than you can say “Bratwurst.” Their humour was sharp, their English flawless, and thankfully, their sarcastic Brexit jokes translated perfectly.
Fay: When I first arrived, I was immediately shocked at the grounds of the academy as it was an old air force base, it was such a beautiful place. I was nervous to meet all the other officers from European countries who I was sharing a flat with for the week. After a few hours, we attended a welcome lecture, and I could immediately see how welcoming the German officers were as well as the officers from all the other countries.
Can you describe a typical day during the exchange? What kinds of activities did you take part in?
Fay: So, every day was different. Some days we were doing a few hours of classroom discussion and scenario-based work. This was super interesting as it gave us a chance to compare powers and policies between countries and how we apply them to each scenario.
Other days consisted of visiting their local police station and seeing a training demonstration from the dog handlers, eyeing up their German fleet, having a look at their custody cells and getting to meet their helicopter squadron. We would regularly play sport in the evenings with all the German students and other exchange students, followed by a few beers in their bistro bar, playing drinking games all together.
Kennedy: The morning started early at around 06:30, having to share a shower with four other girls was really survival of the fastest. Breakfast ran until 07:30 and by 08:00 we were in our groups, speaking through scenarios and how each country would use their policy and powers, quickly learning Bulgaria really play by their own rules.
Lunch was like going back to primary school, two options, Veggie and meat. All provided and paid for by the German Academy, even fed steak one lunch!
This day was then followed by an afternoon of trying and testing the German PPE and hand-to-hand combat, showcasing each counties techniques in dealing with restraint and arrests of non-compliant subjects. It was like a Eurovision of tactical takedowns—minus the glitter, plus a few bruises. I’ve certainly got a few new tricks for the streets of North Bristol.
Then every evening we came together in the bar on campus and spoke about work, life and everything in between, all powered with the very respectfully priced alcohol served by the loveliest barman.
Are there any policing methods or approaches in Germany that stood out to you?
Kennedy: One of the most eye-opening moments was our visit to the custody centre in Koblenz.
We were shown a few cells, which were incredible basic, a hole in the floor for a toilet, a slab for a bed, no blankets, no cameras in the cells and only one option for food, cheese on bread served with water, made by the inmates at a nearby prison. Later that evening, we chatted with the other students about custody procedures, and when we mentioned the idea of a “constant” (an officer monitoring detainees), the German officers looked genuinely puzzled. It was one of those moments where you realise just how different our systems really are.
Another standout feature was a massive holding cell designed for up to 30 detainees—used after large-scale public order incidents, like football matches. What really surprised us was that the detainees would be left in there together, unsupervised. No officers. Just 30 people, one room, and a lot of tension. It sounded less like a custody suite and more like the start of a very intense reality show.
In complete stark to their very traditional thinking for detainees, the flip side was finding out that the German Academy use VR to simulate situations before going out into the ‘real world’. Clearly very forward thinking in their use of technology. Albeit when I had a go, I felt very motion sick and nearly fell flat on my face.
Fay: The way they deal with mental health stood out the most, they completely took a back seat, there was no such thing as a “constant” at hospital or custody as their health service would take the lead there. They also would force drink drivers to give blood if they refused blood and this would include being strapped to a bed and taken by force. They also must speak to a prosecutor’s office before entering a property to get permission and are forbidden to do so between 10pm and 6am unless to save life or limb….no 5am arrest attempts.
How did the experience challenge or change your perspective on policing?
Kennedy: One recurring theme throughout the exchange was the reaction I got when explaining what it’s like to be a police officer in the UK. I lost count of how many times I was told I must be mad to sign up for a role where I’m often solo-crewed, unarmed, and without a Taser (for now…). It was a real eye-opener to see how differently policing is structured and perceived across Europe.
That said, the experience gave me a renewed appreciation for British policing. It’s easy to feel worn down in the job and focus on the negatives, but after so many conversations with officers from other countries,
I came back feeling encouraged. We have a lot to be proud of—particularly in areas like legislation, communications, and conflict management.
What was the most memorable moment during your time with the German Police?
Fay: I think for me, it was the day we went for a hike through the most beautiful forests and went to a local BBQ barn restaurant, followed by a party on the final evening to say our goodbyes. It was so sad to say goodbye as I felt we had made genuine friendships with people from all over Europe.
Kennedy: It’s hard to pick just one moment—there were so many positive and genuinely fun experiences throughout the exchange. But what I look back on most fondly are the evenings we spent together as a group. The weather was warm, the company was brilliant, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Most evenings started with a game (or several) of volleyball—something that quickly became a highlight of the trip. Although I was diabolical, the German officers were fiercely competitive but also incredibly welcoming, turns out, my enthusiasm counts for something, even if my hand-eye coordination doesn’t.
Did you notice any significant differences in how the police engage with the public in Germany compared to Avon & Somerset Police?
Kennedy: This one’s a bit tricky to answer, as we didn’t do a traditional “ride along” or observe frontline interactions with the public. However, one thing that really stood out was during the hand-to-hand combat training. Some of the takedown techniques demonstrated by the German students were… let’s just say, bold. I couldn’t imagine using some of them back home—not because they weren’t effective, but because of the potential for injury, especially to the head/neck. In British policing we’re very conscious of the scrutiny around use of force, and rightly so. If someone ends up injured, we’re held accountable, and every action must be justified.
When I explained this to the German officers, they seemed genuinely puzzled. Their response was words to the effect of, “they shouldn’t commit crimes then”. It was a stark reminder of how cultural attitudes and policies shape our policing styles. Where we might tread carefully, they take a more direct approach. Neither is necessarily right or wrong—it just highlighted how differently we’re trained to think.
Fay: There were huge differences. Most of the powers and policies and policing tactics were different. Rules differed, especially with powers of entry in the night-time and how they deal with vulnerable people. The biggest difference though was the availability of PPE equipment and a no single crewing policy for patrol. The UK were the only country unarmed which completely shocked every other country. I felt that the other countries would resort to their firearm in circumstances that UK officers wouldn’t even be drawing their incapacitant spray due to fear of persecution from the public. However, they couldn’t quite believe that we attend jobs, pull over cars and arrest people with no taser or firearm.
How has this experience influenced your development as a student officer?
Fay: Being able to gather an insight into policing from over 10 different countries was completely invaluable and a once in a career opportunity. It helped me realise that although every country does things differently, our way isn’t always the best way, and that there is always something to learn from others. My confidence in my policing grew, having to demonstrate our PPST training, conduct presentations on our powers and policies and live with officers.
Kennedy: It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible—new country, new people, new ways of thinking. It gave me the chance to reflect on how I approach situations, especially when comparing how other countries manage conflict, communication, and even training. It’s definitely made me a more well-rounded officer and probably a slightly (very, very slightly) better volleyball player too.
The Chief Constable Sarah Crew has thanked both of you for your advocacy of the force. How did it feel to represent UWE and Avon & Somerset Police policing on an international platform?
Kennedy: Honestly, it was a bit surreal—but in the best way. There’s something quite special about sitting in a room full of officers from across Europe and realising you’re one of two officers representing not just A&S and UWE, but the United Kingdom. It was a proud moment.
I was acutely aware of how un-articulate I can be at times and when everyone’s looking at you to be the shining example of the Queen’s English, the pressure is definitely on. Hopefully, when I presented our group work to the lecture theatre, my West Country accent didn’t come through too thick…
Fay: It felt great to have this opportunity, as I know it was a once in a career event. As soon as I was chosen to go, I was very excited and apprehensive on what an international project week would entail. We both did a presentation in front of everyone in the lecture hall on British policing and the differences, which was cool to be able to explain to them how we work.
Would you recommend this experience to other PCDA students, and if so, why?
Fay: Yes of course. Like I said, it’s a once in a career opportunity and gives you insight into policing all over Europe. Its invaluable.
Kennedy: Absolutely—without hesitation. It was one of the best trips I’ve had the privilege of going on. It’s a unique opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, learn from others, and gain a fresh perspective on policing. You’ll come back with new skills, new friends, and a renewed sense of pride in the responsibility and risk we carry as British police officers.
Fay and I had the honour of presenting their Chief with an Avon and Somerset Police plaque as a gesture of gratitude and goodwill. We expressed how thankful we were to be their guests and acknowledged the incredible amount of effort and organisation that went into making the week such a success.
The Editorial Team would like to say a massive thank you and well done to Kennedy & Fay. You are both a credit to your force and we wish you well back out on the streets.
If you would like to be a guest blogger, please contact Police.Blog@uwe.ac.uk
Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer); Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer) & Micah Hassell (Senior Lecturer).
Editorial Note: GDPR consent obtained for use of all images posted within this blog.
