Hamburg police host visit from German officer

HAMBURG — Police officer Kai Biewendt of Hamburg, Germany, visited the Hamburg, N.J., Police Dept. on Friday, Sept. 12.

William Schievella, president of the New Jersey Police Community Affairs Officers Association made arrangements and participated in the visit. Biewendt is assigned to the traffic-control division of Hamburg, Germany, a city of more than 1.5 million residents.

Director Wayne Yahm discussed traffic enforcement, as well as other areas of law enforcement. The discussion showed that both agencies have similar issues involving traffic control. Discussions also included crime- and drug-related issues. On a lighter note, one topic discussed by Yahm that Biewendt did not have experience with was dealing with the black bear population.

After a tour of the Hamburg Police Dept., vehicles and equipment, Biewendt commented on how much more technology is available to our officers in the patrol vehicles that German patrol vehicles do not have.

Yahm said opportunities for law enforcement agencies to get together for the exchange of information and ideas is an integral part of providing the best possible service to our residents.

Biewendt, who is staying with family in New York City, will visit other agencies in New York and New Jersey.