Police welcome Police Officer Josep Manel Camino Serra from Barcelona, Spain. Officer Camino is participating in a six-week, unpaid internship with the Menlo Park Police Department. Manel sought out an opportunity for professional development through the International Police Association and petitioned for a U.S. law enforcement agency where he could job shadow. Manel matched his internship with Menlo Park Detective Jason Poirier, who is also an IPA member. Exchange interns are responsible for their travel, lodging and expenses so Manel and his family are staying with a Bay Area friend during this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Barcelona and Menlo Park command staff collaborated to provide the internship opportunity in Menlo Park. Manel and Menlo Park officers will exchange cross-cultural policing methods, ideas, experiences and knowledge. Manel’s goal is to further his law enforcement knowledge and understand how U.S. agencies function and respond to incidents.

Manel graduated from the police academy of Catalonia in Spain. He has a background in mechanical engineering, working in the field for over 10 years. Officer Camino is fluent in Spanish, English and German. His hobbies include rock climbing, paragliding, skiing and scuba diving.