When the Velikiy Novgorod v Rochester Law Enforcement Exchange Program began in 2000, Project Harmony knew that a strong tie existed between these sister-cities. The level of commitment and contribution both communities have exhibited during the course of this two-year exchange, however, illustrates the true value they each place on community development and improving public safety, and on the sharing and exchange of ideas.

Since December 2000, 17 professionals from Velikiy Novgorod have traveled to Rochester and 7 professionals from Rochester have visited Velikiy Novgorod, although, on both sides of the ocean, a much wider audience has benefited from the programs and workshops. Thus far, as a direct result of this two-year exchange, the Velikiy Novgorod City Police Department and City Administration have worked together to compile a database of truant and at-risk youth. Several neighborhoods in the city are also adapting the idea of Rochester-s Neighborhood Empowerment Teams to create a pilot project in their regions. The solid commitment from partners in both Rochester and Novgorod has turned the program into a meaningful and worthwhile dialogue that will continue to create lasting change in the individuals, professions and communities involved. Though the physical exchange of professionals has concluded, Project Harmony hopes to continue fostering and facilitating the exchange of ideas between Rochester and Velikiy Novgorod via email and online forums.

Please read on for a detailed description of the five phases of this successful two-year exchange program.

Chief Robert J. Duffy greets Colonel Viktor Miroshnichenko

The first phase of the Novgorod/Rochester Law Enforcement Exchange Program took place December 1-16, 2000. A delegation of 9 professionals, including 6 police officers and 3 other community service providers, visited Rochester for a two-week introduction to community policing and training.

In May 2001, four professional trainers from Rochester traveled to Velikii Novgorod for Phase II of the Novgorod/Rochester LEEP program. The trainers conducted seminars on community policing philosophies and programs and also met with leaders in Novgorod law enforcement, city administration and social service.

General Bogdanov, head of the Novgorod Oblast Department of Internal Affairs, examines a statue presented to him by the American trainer: "I want to be just like you."

Phase III of the exchange took place October 5-19, 2001. Five representatives of the Novgorod City Police and Novgorod City Administration traveled to Rochester for this two week Professional Development Workshop. They received intensive, hands-on training in specific community policing programs identified during the first two phases.

The Phase III delegation visits the Sister-Cities Bridge in Rochester, NY

The Phase V delegation joins PH staff and Rochester partners for a farewell picnic

In April 2002, three trainers from Rochester traveled to Velikiy Novgorod for the Phase IV follow-on Professional Development Workshop. They gave presentations and participated in roundtable discussions at various agencies throughout the city.

The US trainers meet with students at School 32 in Velikiy Novgorod

From August 14-26, 2002, three professionals from Velikiy Novgorod visited Rochester for the fifth and final phase of the Law Enforcement Exchange Program. Because the delegation was small, they were able to spend a significant amount of time shadowing their US counterparts one-on-one.