Richmond City Jail Visit Enables the Exchange of Knowledge Between Turkish and American Officials

A group of six Turkish National Police (TNP) officers comprised of colonels and majors visited the Richmond City, VA Jail to find out how American deputies maintain public safety. All of the visitors earned Master’s degrees in Urban Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, are now working toward Ph.D. degrees, and have interests in the fields of intelligence, forensics, and education.

The group first met Sheriff Woody before starting the tour led by Sgt. John Oast, Sgt. William Creekmur, and Deputy Marilyn Charity. TIPS members explained some of the intricacies of law enforcement and jailing in the Turkish Criminal Justice System while finding out how deputies prepare for their jobs of protecting and securing the jail and courts. After meeting again with Sheriff Woody and giving customary tokens of appreciation, TIPS members described their responsibilities abroad as officers in the TNP, which is somewhat similar to the American institutions of FBI and the CIA combined.

TIPS members stated that after they complete their studies, they will all return to Turkey, enriched from all they have learned in the classroom and from hands-on experience, such as the visit to the Richmond City Jail. TIPS members also provided information about the TNP, emphasizing the TNP motto,first stated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Founder of the Republic of Turkey: “Peace at home. Peace in the world.”

* Turkish Police Major and Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Public Policy & Administration