From Thames Valley to the USA – DI Lee Joins Global Fight Against Transnational Crime

There are no limits to the opportunities that a career in policing can offer, as Detective Inspector Lee can attest, only recently returning from a once-in-a-lifetime international programme that’s set to shape the future of UK policing.

Representing British policing at the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Lee joined law enforcement and security leaders from across Europe and the United States to explore ways of tackling transnational crime. The programme, run by the U.S. Department of State, spanned five cities in the USA bringing together experts in cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking, financial crime, and border security.

This world-renowned leadership exchange program brings together emerging leaders from across the globe to foster international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and development of best practice. Former alumni of note, include UK Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and Theresa May, alongside numerous high-ranking law enforcement officials and security experts.

Speaking about his experience, Lee said: “The IVLP has been the most profound professional development opportunity of my career and one of the most enriching personal journeys of my life. It broadened my horizons, challenged my assumptions, and connected me with inspiring peers across Europe and the United States.”

The journey began in Washington DC, where Lee and his cohort attended high-level briefings at the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, and the Secret Service. They explored how global threats are framed through strategic policy, and how cultural understanding plays a vital role in international cooperation. From there, the group travelled to Cleveland, Ohio, where they saw collaboration in action – from the U.S. Coast Guard’s cyber-maritime operations to the work of NGOs supporting survivors of human trafficking. The visit highlighted how collaboration between prosecutors, academics, civil society, and intelligence units contribute to a resilient justice ecosystem.

In Texas, the realities of border security came into sharp focus. Lee visited the San Antonio Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Laredo border crossing, gaining insight into the operational pressures of managing migration, trade, and criminal disruption. The final leg in Florida tied together the programme’s themes. From aviation security at Tampa International Airport to community policing in St. Petersburg, the emphasis was on trust, adaptability, and interagency cooperation. A standout moment was hearing from Robert Mazur, the former DEA agent who infiltrated Pablo Escobar’s cartel—reinforcing the importance of financial disruption in dismantling organised crime.

Beyond the professional learning, the IVLP was rich in cultural exchange and a reminder that policing partnerships are ultimately human partnerships.

Lee also continued the tradition of exchanging agency memorabilia, collecting badges, coins, and even a Slovenian police teddy bear. These tokens now serve as lasting symbols of the friendships and professional networks forged across borders.

Summing up his experience, Lee said: “It’s clear that collaboration is key. No agency or nation can tackle transnational crime alone, so multi-agency hubs and private sector partnerships are essential. With cybercrime growing as society becomes even more dependent on technology, we must consider how this can be embedded across all our policing operations.

“These lessons will inform my work for years to come where I’ll be continuing to influence, support, and drive innovation within UK policing.”

Find out more about Lee’s career, how he came to be offered this great opportunity, and his five recommendations for preparing for a policing career.