Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch recently attended an intensive public safety leadership training experience in Israel with the country’s top law enforcement executives.
The 16 day program was coordinated by the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, a research center within Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Sheriff Couch was one of 17 Georgia police chiefs, sheriffs, command staff and a deputy director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation that participated in the training. He was a part of the program's 31st delegation.
The rest of the delegation was able to travel to various locations in Israel, including war-torn Gaza, according to a release from the Hall County Sheriff’s office.
“The police force in Israel faces challenges on a daily basis we can only imagine here in the United States,” Sheriff Couch said in a release. “The Israeli Police agency suffered great losses during the course of the October 2023 terrorist attack with more than 60 killed defending their communities. I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism they maintained while functioning in a virtual war zone with threats on all sides.”
Over 1,300 law enforcement executives worldwide have graduated from GILEE peer-to-peer exchange programs in its 33 year history. Additionally, more than 45,000 public safety, homeland security and police executives have attended GILEE-led special briefings, seminars, workshops, training sessions and conferences featuring experts on issues related to homeland security, public safety, community policing and law enforcement, according to HCSO.
“I gained a deep appreciation for the country and its resilient people during a time of war,” Sheriff Couch said. “Despite facing ongoing challenges and threats from several terrorist groups, the Israelis exhibit remarkable strength and determination. My time there was a valuable learning experience.”
