British police fly to Philadelphia to get top tips from U.S. cops. And their first lesson? Where to get the best doughnuts

British police fly to Philadelphia to get top tips from U.S. cops. And their first lesson? Where to get the best doughnuts

By Caroline Graham
Last updated at 12:40 AM on 04th March 2009

It is the stuff of TV and movie cliche, but it seems doughnuts really ARE high on an American cop's list of priorities.

After all, Philadelphia police officers were quick to show their British counterparts where to get the best kind during an exchange programme today.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are currently in the States to share railroad security and counter-terrorism practices with officers from Amtrak Police Department (APD), which looks after America's railways.


Priorities: U.S. train cops in Philadelphia show members of the British Transport Police where to get the best doughnuts at 30th Street Station today

But first things first - the day began with the all-important visit to Dunkin Donuts.

Officers from BTP then jointly patrolled Philadelphia's 30th Street Station where they observed Amtrak's security operations onboard trains and around the station.

Throughout the week, British rail officials will observe similar activities at Baltimore's Penn Station and New York's Penn Station.

It is part of the first major exchange of railroad and counter-terrorism practices between the two nations.

British Transport Police Superintendent Phil Trendall said: 'This trip represents a major opportunity for our two organisations to work and learn from each other.

'We share a determination to protect the traveling public from the threat of terrorism and this gives us a chance to share best practices.'


On patrol: BTP and Amtrak officers view rail passengers as they make their way to the platform today

Over the past few years, terrorist attacks, attempts and plots around the globe have specifically targeted rail and mass transit - spurring the formation of a coalition of transport and law enforcement agencies around the world.

Amtrak Chief Operating Officer William Crosbie said: 'The rail community continues to be a target worldwide, and protecting passengers from harm is paramount. If one member of the community is targeted, we all feel the effects one way or another.

'By sharing best police practices and lessons learned with our British counterparts and others, we can build a safer and more secure rail environment for riders internationally.'

Presumably, In the spirit of cultural exchange, when British officers show their American colleagues around London, they'll also start the day with some of our essential fried cuisine - a bacon sarnie or a fry-up.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1158950/British-police-fly-Philadelphia-tips-U-S-cops-And-lesson-Where-best-doughnuts.html