OCHRONA DZIEDZICTWA ARCHEOLOGICZNEGO KRAJOWY OŚRODEK BADAŃ I DOKUMENTACJI ZABYTKÓW SZKOLI POLICJĘ

The National Heritage Board of Poland together with the National Team for Fight with Crime against National Heritage at the Polish General Police Headquarters have prepared and carried out a series of training intended for police officers from all over Poland; the theme of the course was the protection of archaeological heritage. The training, which involved four meetings, took place in Cracow, Warsaw, Gdańsk and Poznań in 2007 and 2008. The topics included basic archaeology, conservation doctrine, the execution of law, and the role played by the police force in combating crimes committed against archaeological monuments. The participants discussed the cooperation of Regional Centres for the Study and Documentation of Historical Monuments and Voivodeship Offices for the Protection of Historical Monuments with police units. The most important accomplishment of the course was practical acquaintance with archaeological monuments and their recognition and conservation. This objective was attained thanks to the kindness of the directors of archaeological museums in the host towns. The whole cycle was completed by more than 130 police officers. A survey performed during the course showed a high assessment of the training, and confirmed the need to hold further such courses, also those dealing with the protection of other groups of historical monuments. Apparently, such an educational campaign organised by the National Heritage Board of Poland fulfils its function, improves the professionalism and effectiveness of undertakings performed by services established for the protection of the national heritage, and popularises the protection of the cultural heritage.