A PEMBROKESHIRE police officer has represented the UK at a major international police seminar in Australia.

Alex Jones, who is stationed at Tenby, travelled to Brisbane to take part in the Young Officers’ Seminar of the International Police Association (IPA) where he was one of 63 delegates from 30 countries.

The 27-year-old officer, who has been with the Dyfed-Powys force for the past six years, described his experience as an opportunity of a lifetime.

During the seminar, which was funded by the IPA, Alex took part in a formal uniform day before an address at the Queensland Parliament House and attended the Dawn Service on Anzac Day.

There were also presentations from officers who had dealt with the New Zealand earthquakes, drug importation and distribution, illicit laboratory investigations and roads policing. Alex was particularly interested in the presentation on Smart Phones where participants revealed varying levels of use of mobile data around the world. Cyber-crime, child exploitation, identify theft, and outlaw motorcycle gangs were other topics covered.

A large-scale demonstration of search and rescue capabilities, using lifeboats and a rescue helicopter; scenario- based firearms training and a barbecue on the rooftop of the Police Credit Union building added action. The week closed with an inspirational presentation on ‘resilience’ from an Australian officer who spoke about his long road to recovery after being shot at close range while responding to an incident.