Swedish Members of Parliament Meet LASD Subject Matter Experts

02/07/13

When the International Liaison Unit learned that the Committee on Justice of the Swedish Parliament was interested in meeting with some of the LASD's subject matter experts, the unit realized that this would be a learning opportunity for all involved. According to the Swedish Parliament's website, the Committee on Justice, comprised of Parliamentarians representing an array of Sweden's political parties, is responsible for creating legislation related to all aspects of the Swedish Judicial System. This includes the courts, the public prosecution service, the police service, the correctional care system, and more.

The 15-member committee spent 2 days with the LASD. The visitors toured the Inmate Reception Center, Twin Towers Correctional Facility, and Men's Central Jail. They met with the Education Based Incarceration (EBI) Unit, and learned how the programs introduced to inmates by EBI help inmates to create a life worth living. The members of Parliament were especially pleased with the reduction in recidivism among inmates who had participated in EBI.

The delegation met with the Muslim Community Affairs (MCA) Unit and were fascinated by how MCA trains LASD personnel about Islam and Muslims, and teaches LASD recruits about the Muslim culture, customs, and beliefs -- all in keeping with the Department's Core Values. A native of Sweden, LASD Reserve Forces Bureau Sergeant Britta Kjellstrand accompanied the visiting Members of Parliament and assisted with translating the technical policing terminology used in many of the presentations.

The LASD provided the visiting government officials with a very thorough exchange of best practices, while simultaneously learning a great deal about the Swedish community in Los Angeles.