Benefits of going on an overseas mission

Developing skills and competencies

Those deployed on missions are able to develop their competencies in a range of skills, including training, mentoring, advisory and investigation work. Many of the jobs overseas also allow police officers to work above their UK rank equivalent or outside their area of specialism. An example of this is Bosnia, where Constables deployed to the EU Policing Mission have worked in positions advising senior police officials and dealing direct with police commissioners and chiefs of departments.

Diversity and cultural awareness

The chance to work with other cultures and nationalities has proved a great benefit to secondees. All missions offer secondees the chance to broaden their cultural awareness, often in challenging environments. For example, UK civilian specialists deployed to the OSCE Mission in Serbia work alongside 200 colleagues, 40 of whom are international secondees. Police officers deployed to Iraq or Jordan experience life in a Muslim society at first hand, learning about culture, customs and ways of life.

Tackling crime at source

Stopping crime at source, particularly organised crime, is a tangible benefit of overseas missions, enabling UK officers to increase their awareness and make contacts which are of use on return to the UK. An example of this kind of work can be found in Kosovo, where officers based at the Central Intelligence Unit of the UN Mission work alongside intelligence professionals from other nations. They help maintain an overview of serious and organised crime and analyse the impact of Kosovan organised crime groups throughout Western Europe.