ILEA Bangkok Hosts Alumni Networking Event in Dili, Timor-Leste

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On August 7, 2024, the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) hosted an Alumni Networking event in Dili, Timor-Leste. In attendance were alumni from various agencies, including the National Police of East Timor (PNTL), the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), the Office of Prosecutor General, and the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and several representatives from the U.S. Embassy, coming together to reconnect and share their experiences.

Efren Buenrostro Jr., Director of ILEA Bangkok, kicked off the festivities by welcoming all alumni and guests to the event. Also, he emphasized the importance of the U.S. and Royal Thai Government collaboration and joint partnership with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to operate the Academy to provide state-of-the-art training for law enforcement professionals throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Director Buenrostro acknowledged the ILEA team including Police Colonel Kittipon Kaewumporn - Deputy Executive Director, Police Colonel Ekarat Tuscharoen - Chief of Student Affairs, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sutas Thongho - Deputy Chief of Academic Affairs, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Sukanya Boonsung - Assistant Chief of Student Affairs, Kimberly Jones, Kyle Rego, Napanit Vinitchevit, Kannika Mala, Tanapoom Choomsuwan, and the translators, who worked hard to make the event a success.  Additionally, he acknowledged the VIPs from the Government of Timor-Leste: Rui Pereira dos Santos – Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission, Chief Superintendent of Police Arquimino Ramos - Head of Personnel and Training (Represent PNTL General Commander), and Prosecutor Angelina Joaninha Saldanha - Deputy Prosecutor General of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. He then introduced the keynote speaker Eric Sheffield, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) from the U.S. Embassy in Dili who addressed the audience and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in law enforcement.

Following A/DCM Sheffield's remarks, Napanit Vinitchevit, ILEA Bangkok Alumni Coordinator, spoke about the Alumni Portal, emphasizing its role in maintaining and strengthening connections among ILEA graduates.

The event highlights included insights that were shared by Teresinha De Souza, the Deputy Chief of Transnational Crime from the National Police of Timor-Leste, shared her extensive experience with ILEA Bangkok courses. From 2009 to 2021, She attended 4 training classes, including the Executive Leadership and Major Case Management, Computer and Network Intrusion Course (CNIC), Drug Unit Commanders Course, and the Post Blast Investigations Course.  De Souza highlighted how these courses equipped her with the skills to handle complex transnational crime cases effectively.

The networking event provided a platform for alumni to reconnect, share success stories, and discuss the impact of their ILEA training. The primary objectives of the event were to re-engage with ILEA Bangkok Alumni in Timor-Leste, obtain success stories that underscore the value of ILEA training, and strengthen the U.S. global partnership and collaboration with regional partners.

Attendees left the event with valuable professional contacts and a renewed appreciation for the ILEA program's role in their careers. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating crime and highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering strong global partnerships through training and collaboration.

The event was a resounding success, leaving participants eager for future opportunities to connect and collaborate in the fight against transnational crime.