The Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE), established in 1992 and based at Georgia State University, facilitates training programs between Georgia law enforcement agencies and the Israeli Police, among other international partners. The program aims to enhance homeland security efforts through international cooperation and training.
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Recent Training Programs:
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June 2023 Delegation: A 20-member delegation, including 12 Georgia police chiefs, three sheriffs, and officials from the Georgia Department of Public Safety, participated in a two-week intensive public safety leadership training in Israel. The delegation was led by Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Michael Register. The training focused on community policing and building safer communities for minorities.
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June 2022 Delegation: GILEE conducted its 29th annual peer-to-peer professional training program, where Georgia State police officials engaged in a two-week training session in Israel. The program emphasized counter-terrorism techniques and technologies.
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Death of the Godfather:
On October 7, 2023, Israeli Lt. Col. JR Davidov, who had previously hosted Atlanta Police Department officers during their training in Israel, was killed in a shootout he engaged in with Hamas. Lt. Col. Davidov had been actively involved in the GILEE program, fostering relationships between Israeli and Georgia law enforcement agencies. Here is Georgia State University eulogizing him.
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Community Response:
The GILEE program has faced criticism from various community groups and activists. In November 2023, students from multiple Atlanta universities rallied against the program, expressing concerns over the militarization of local police forces and the suppression of student activism. They called for an end to the GILEE program, highlighting its connections to international policing efforts and its potential impact on local communities.
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Overall, GILEE continues to play a significant role in facilitating international law enforcement training between Georgia and Israel, with ongoing discussions about its impact on local policing practices.
The Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE), established in 1992, has facilitated training programs between Georgia law enforcement officials and the Israeli Police. As of 2023, approximately 1,250 law enforcement executives have participated in GILEE exchange programs, with the majority being from Georgia.
The Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) frequently organizes trips for law enforcement leaders from Georgia and neighboring southern states to engage in peer-to-peer training with Israeli security forces. In 2018, the Cleveland Jewish News reported that a delegation of 21 high-ranking law enforcement officials from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee participated in such a program.
During their visit, the group explored Israel’s advanced strategies in community policing, recruitment and deployment, and counterterrorism. They also examined practices in emergency management, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, homeland security policies; use of K-9 services for drugs, explosives and missing persons; and crisis negotiations.”
The delegation was briefed byMaj. Gen. Jamal Hakroosh, notable as thefirst Muslim major generalin theIsrael Police, and had the opportunity to engage withArab cadetsat Israel’s police academy, providing a comprehensive view of Israel’s diverse law enforcement framework.
More reading:
Amnesty International on Israeli training of US Police
