Mark Randell tells us about the training on the Link carried out by Greek and Ukrainian police
One Voice leads a nonviolent fight to defend animal rights and respect all life forms. The organization operates independently and is thus free to speak and act freely.
In Greece and the Ukraine, the police are trained in the theme of the Link. Mark Randell shares his perspective as Operations Director at Hidden-in-Sight.
The Panhellenic Federation for the Protection of Animals
Many
animal welfare associations and other stakeholders are now talking
about “the Link” and “the Cycle of Violence “.
Police officers recognize that animal abuse and violence against
humans are intertwined, but many opportunities have been missed for
decades because this awareness has not been translated into action.
Lives have been lost, and unfortunately, violence and crime have
occurred while they could have been avoided if the early warning
indicators had been taken into account.
I
became acquainted with a very professional organization, active in
Greece, the Panhellenic Animal Protection Federation (PFO), which
enjoys a very good reputation in professional circles and whose
strategy can truly advance the protection of animals in Greece. This
strategy includes the training of NGOs, police personnel and
prosecutors whose responsibility is to enforce the law.
It’s
not just about raising awareness of animal welfare issues, but also
about how to identify the “Cycle of Violence” and how to
solve the problem. In November 2015, the launch of this program took
place at the Benaki Museum in Athens. He was well received and gave a
powerful boost to the process. Over the next eighteen months, many
negotiations took place, considerable planning took place, and much
convincing evidence was introduced.
In
September 2017, the next phase made a sensational debut in the Greek
police training program. Very well organized and innovative, this
initiative has largely overshadowed the application of the law as it
is observed in Europe, which is remarkable for a country facing
significant financial and political problems.
«In the space of two weeks, 200 police officers from mainland Greece and the Greek islands were trained on the” Violence Cycle “and the link between animal abuse and human abuse.»Mark Randell, Director of Operations at Hidden-in-Sight
This
is a very remarkable result, and this sharing of knowledge makes it
possible to consider the possibility of making a real difference for
animals and for society.
Avant-garde Ukrainian police on the theme of the Link
The
awareness of the hitherto neglected link between animal abuse and
various anti-social activities such as murder, child abuse and
domestic violence is spreading across the European continent today
and is increasing, authorities in various countries, apply this
concept to improve the quality of life in society. This week they
reached the Ukraine, the first training in the “Link”
activities in the Ukraine took place in Kiev in 2018.
It
was a structured training program for animal welfare associations,
municipal officials and Kiev police officials. This program
highlighted what we already know and the positive impact that the
fight against animal abuse would have on current strategies and
priorities, as well as on community relations. He was very well
received and the Ukrainian police are very avant-garde in their
approach.
«This training is about to be given also to the 2,000 policemen of the municipality of Kiev.»Mark Randell, Director of Operations at Hidden-in-Sight
It
will focus primarily on police patrols and animal welfare NGOs, and
will also focus on how to respond quickly to animal abuse, taking
into account the possibility of a relationship with others, offences
or crimes that are “hidden”. For the new police services
formed since their independence, it will be necessary to take charge
of the establishment of a constant practice in the recognition of the
Link. Knowing that these representatives of the order will be the
first responders to the crime scene, we consider it essential that
the training be focused on this side. We thank the Ukraine for its
foresight in adopting this approach to address animal welfare issues
and the prevention of violence.
This
training has already been provided to the police officials of Kiev,
it must also be provided to the 2,000 patrol officers, and it must
extend to a wider audience. Training was also provided to municipal
officials, who are now developing new processes in the field of
animal welfare, and to some of the most motivated animal welfare
associations. It basically explains why it is important to deal with
animal abuse, what are the links with other forms of delinquency and
criminality? How rare is it that it is exercised independently of
anything else, and how to prevent crimes related to this? Treating
these issues professionally is also a way to build trust with the
public.
It
is not uncommon at all to see cases of extreme violence against
people, which might have been avoided if the warning signs had been
identified and if had been followed up. This is one of the reasons
why crimes and crimes against animals are now part of the FBI’s
indicators.
In
the Ukraine, for example, a group of young men who tortured and
hanged stray animals then murdered 21 people one after the other.
Knowing that the organization fighting for animal rights can bring
back 50 000 euros and that this activity can be in connection with
drugs, firearms and even child pornography, it would be advisable for
the police to see their possibilities of prevention rather than an
extra charge.