Israelis to train local officers

Some metro-area law enforcement officers are flying to Israel today for training they hope they never have to use.

Should Omaha ever be attacked or be the site of a natural disaster, the training that 12 officers and public safety officials will receive could be essential, said Omaha Police Lt. Mark Desler, who will be among the group.

But even without a worst-case scenario, the training should help officials protect crowds at high-profile events like the College World Series and sports events and concerts at the Qwest Center Omaha, Desler said.

The seven-day training will focus on counterterrorism and security measures and is being paid for by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant.

The training, led by Israeli security experts, will include how security is provided in places such as Israel's Olympic Village headquarters, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Port of Ashdod.

Training topics include controlling exits and entrances at large-scale events, Israeli airport security and other complex security operations.

Among those on the trip will be members of the Omaha Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department, officers from the Douglas and Washington County Sheriff's Offices and Paul Johnson, director of the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency.

Retired Omaha Police Sgt. Lee Tomlinson, who now works for a private security company, also is going.

“It's a huge opportunity,” said Omaha Police Officer Bill Holaday. “I would never have dreamed we would get to go over there and see how they do it because they are the world's best.”

Holaday, who is the Omaha police representative on the multi-agency Omaha Terrorism Early Warning Group, previously worked as an analyst in the Air Force.

Desler said he is looking forward to seeing how the Israelis use technology in protecting people. “This will allow us to get behind the scenes and see what they do.”

Israel has security expertise in large-venue crowd protection because of the conflicts in that region, he said.

“It is something they live with every day,” Desler said. “They are the leaders in counterterrorism and security.”

Israeli security forces are very good at how they respond to critical incidents, Desler said. Quick response would be essential if the Omaha area were the site of a terror attack or natural disaster, he said.

“We tried to get the right people involved from around the metro area,” Desler said. “It's good to have a base of officers to react similarly among the different agencies.”

Contact the writer:

444-1279, jason.kuiper@owh.com