HR-617

07 LC 35 0586

House Resolution 617

By: Representatives Day of the 163rd, Horne of the 71st, Talton of the 145th, Gardner of the 57th, Black of the 174th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Dr. Robert R. Friedmann of Georgia State University for his invaluable service; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in 1992, Georgia State University and Georgia law enforcement leaders came together in a joint project to establish the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) Program; and

WHEREAS, the GILEE program is directed by Georgia State University Professor Dr. Robert R. Friedmann, nationally known in the field of criminal justice and counter-terrorism; and

WHEREAS, one of the primary objectives of the GILEE program is to enhance interagency cooperation between State of Georgia law enforcement leaders and the Israel National Police as well as providing professional educational programs to senior Israeli law enforcement officials by exposing them to law enforcement practices in Georgia and to offer a professional educational program to senior Georgia law enforcement officials by exposing them to law enforcement operations in Israel, primarily in the area of counter-terrorism; and

WHEREAS, in this post 9-11 period, it is essential that governmental agencies and countries share their knowledge and experiences to combat the immense threat of terrorism and increase public safety throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, the GILEE program is an excellent example of how the exchange of information can serve to protect the citizens of both the State of Georgia and Israel and, since its inception, 11 delegations of senior Israeli law enforcement officers have visited Georgia, and 14 delegations from Georgia have visited Israel; and

WHEREAS, since its establishment in 1992, the GILEE program has carried out 88 courses for 431 law enforcement executives from numerous states, Washington, D.C., and many countries around the world including Hungary, Canada, and Japan; and

WHEREAS, the GILEE program provided valuable assistance in matters of anti-terrorism during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as the G-8 conference on Sea Island, Georgia in 2004; and

WHEREAS, the GILEE program has established a network between the British Council in Atlanta, Georgia, and Georgia law enforcement to discuss and implement homeland security measures; and

WHEREAS, the GILEE program continues to focus its efforts in leadership development in the areas of homeland security and complex law enforcement operations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body recognizes the valuable service and hard work of Dr. Robert R. Friedmann on the GILEE program which has proven to be a tremendous asset to Georgia law enforcement and commend him for his success in bringing together Israel and the State of Georgia for the greater protection of the citizens of this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Dr. Robert R. Friedmann.