On September 17, 2025, the Faculty of Law Enforcement at Ludovika University of Public Service hosted a delegation comprised of five board members of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). This organization is one of the most prestigious professional associations in the United States for law enforcement practitioners, uniting leaders from various agencies across New Jersey. Their visit to Budapest was part of a broader initiative to strengthen professional and academic ties between American and Hungarian law enforcement institutions, with a particular focus on education, training, and the exchange of professional experiences.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Rector Gergely Deli, who expressed his gratitude for the American guests’ interest in the university’s activities. He emphasized that the visit symbolized friendship and was a significant step toward establishing long-term cooperation in law enforcement training and research. After the rector’s welcoming remarks, Zágon Csaba, the Head of the Department for Academic and International Affairs, delivered a fascinating presentation about the higher education institution. He highlighted the unique structure of the Faculty of Law Enforcement, its specialized academic programs, and its balanced theory and practice-oriented training model. He explained how the Faculty blends theoretical instruction with practical simulations, preparing students to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.
The program included visits to several training facilities, enhancing experiential learning and skill transfer. Delegation members had the chance to observe the university’s outstanding training environments firsthand. Their tour began at the tactical house, a modern facility designed for practicing high-risk police interventions and team operations. They gained insight into the educational functions of various forensic laboratories, including the polygraph and interrogation room.
From there, the guests visited the border crossing simulation room, where students develop practical skills for managing real-life border control procedures, such as document inspection and handling complex situations involving international travelers. They also explored the prison training room, which showcased how future officers are prepared for work in correctional institutions, focusing on security techniques and conflict management strategies.
The visitors were equally impressed by the indoor shooting range, where they learned about the systematic firearms training that students undergo to attain proficiency, discipline, and responsibility in the use of firearms. The tour concluded at the obstacle course, an outdoor training facility designed to test physical endurance, tactical movement, and teamwork. Throughout the program, the American delegation showed great interest, frequently comparing Hungarian facilities and training methods with their own practices in the United States.
The visit ended on a cordial note with lunch and a professional discussion at the Ludovika Café. This informal setting provided a fantastic opportunity for exchanging ideas, reflecting on law enforcement leadership, and identifying potential areas for collaboration. The members of the NJSACOP delegation expressed their appreciation for the hospitality they received and the openness of their Hungarian counterparts. They left the Faculty with highly positive impressions, convinced that this meeting marked the beginning of a promising partnership.
The discussions opened new perspectives for cooperation, ranging from student and faculty exchanges to joint research projects and professional workshops. The Faculty of Law Enforcement looks forward to continuing this dialogue, as both institutions share the conviction that international collaboration is essential for meeting the ever-changing demands of public security and law enforcement in the twenty-first century.
Text: Zsolt Andrékó, Zágon Csaba
Photo: Pál Bodó