The German police visited the Olive Branch Police Department from Sept. 14-25. The three German officers were Captain Katharina Kutsche, Lieutenant Kirsten Stranz and Sergeant Thomas Pouillon.

They visited Olive Branch as part of the STAR International Police Exchange, a program that connects law enforcement officers from different countries. It is based on the knowledge and exchange of ideas of police work and organization. The exchange of cultures and ideas is both in the professional and social setting.

Their itinerary included a visit to the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer's Training Academy and the State Capitol, meeting Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant, touring Sam's Town Security, taking a riverboat cruise on the Tunica Queen and visiting the Tunica Museum

They also toured the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, jail, helicopter and motorcycle division, visited with Sheriff Bill Rasco, toured Beale St, Graceland and Sun Studios, went shopping, visited a hunting club, went to a local church, visited with a scout troop, visited the TVA Police at Pickwick and Shiloh, and visited with Mayor Sam Rikard.

The group rode along with OBPD officers and observed the city’s municipal court as part of their exchange of police procedures. They also did some fun “American things” such as driving tractors, cutting grass and riding four-wheelers.

Lt. Rob Stuard, Lt. Carlos Garcia and officer Keith Walters were some of the OBPD officers that accommodated the German officers and made their visit memorable.