Bruce O'Brien - From New Zealand to London: Policing Without Borders

The CopDoc Podcast - Season 8 - Episode 159

When criminal networks operate across continents, police must work beyond borders. In this compelling conversation with Assistant Commissioner Bruce O'Brien, we explore the critical world of international police collaboration from the perspective of someone building these vital connections daily.

As New Zealand Police's Senior Liaison Officer in London, O'Brien bridges law enforcement across four regions: the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He reveals how these partnerships function in practice – from facilitating evidence gathering in transnational cases to sharing intelligence about emerging threats. "Criminal networks are very well connected and know no boundaries," O'Brien explains, highlighting how technology enables criminals to coordinate sophisticated operations remotely.

The discussion delves into the methamphetamine trade threatening New Zealand and Australia, requiring close cooperation with Pacific partners to intercept shipments. O'Brien offers fascinating insights into the UK's approach to facial recognition technology, balancing effective crime-fighting with transparent ethical frameworks that maintain public trust.

We explore O'Brien's leadership journey from frontline supervisor to strategic leader, examining how policing leadership evolves while its fundamental purpose remains constant: "delivering good services to the community and holding those who create harm accountable." His perspective on what future police leaders need – technological fluency paired with unwavering integrity – provides valuable guidance for anyone in law enforcement.

For those interested in global security, criminal justice, or leadership development, this conversation offers rare insights into how international police cooperation works in our increasingly interconnected world. What emerging threats might travel from one continent to another? How do police agencies share information across different legal systems? Listen to discover how these critical relationships protect communities worldwide.

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Website: www.copdocpodcast.com

If you'd like to arrange for facilitated training, or consulting, or talk about steps you might take to improve your leadership and help in your quest for promotion, contact Steve at stephen.morreale@gmail.com

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Bruce O'Brien
• 6:03 International Liaison Role and Responsibilities
• 10:42 Building Cross-Border Relationships
• 16:57 Fighting Global Drug Trafficking
• 22:32 Technology and AI in Modern Policing
• 30:47 Leadership Evolution in Policing
• 40:39 Cambridge Education and Global Perspective
• 49:06 Personal Growth and Family Experience
• 54:24 Future Leadership Skills in Policing