Policing in Tourist Destinations
As international travel grows, the safety of global tourist destinations has become a priority shared by governments, law enforcement agencies, and local communities alike. Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a group of law enforcement professionals and public safety officials from Indonesia traveled to the United States to explore strategies for safeguarding tourist destinations. By examining American approaches to community policing, interagency collaboration, and public-private partnerships, the visitors gained insights into managing security in high-traffic areas while fostering trust across populations.
Project Objectives
- Examine the U.S. "protect and serve" policing ethos across federal, state, and local contexts.
- Explore how law enforcement agencies prepare for large-scale international events, such as FIFA tournaments.
- Share models of cooperation among police departments, local governments, hotel associations, and private security firms to protect tourists.
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Highlight the role of community engagement and communication in strengthening safety and sustainable tourism.
Project Design
Washington, D.C.: Visitors held meetings with U.S. law enforcement and security agencies, including the Department of State, where support was offered to resolve Interpol system issues. A session on federalism clarified investigative roles across agencies. At the U.S. Secret Service, discussions focused on shared challenges in cybercrime and banking cooperation. A visit to the Washington Metro’s operations center highlighted surveillance, cybersecurity, and emergency response practices.
Orlando, Florida: In one of the country’s top tourist destinations, visitors met with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and a coalition of agencies responsible for FIFA 2026 security coordination. Discussions with the Orlando Police Department, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force offered insight into specialized training and multilingual outreach to vulnerable populations. A meeting with the Portuguese-Speaking Citizen Police Academy showcased community-based initiatives aimed at building trust and improving response.
New Orleans, Louisiana: In a city renowned for its cultural tourism and large-scale events, participants engaged with the New Orleans Police Department to learn about crowd management, emergency planning, and community harmony during major festivals. A visit to the Orleans Parish District Criminal Court offered a firsthand look at legal proceedings and judicial-police collaboration.
Honolulu, Hawai‘i: The final stop underscored the power of cross-sector partnerships. The Hawaii Hotel Visitor Industry Security Association (HHVISA) and the Waikiki Business Improvement District shared how law enforcement, hotel security, and street-level ambassador programs maintain safety in a world-class beach destination. Visitors toured the Honolulu Police Department headquarters and the Waikiki Substation, noting the department’s efficiency and community-oriented patrol methods.
Impact and Next Steps
Throughout the program, participants emphasized the critical role that trust, training, and interagency coordination play in ensuring safe and welcoming environments for tourists. Many were particularly struck by the U.S. model of public-private partnerships and how open communication with residents contributes to sustainable tourism and visitor satisfaction.
Visitors are returning home with hopes to:
- Establish ambassador-style street patrols in urban tourism districts to increase visibility and access to services.
- Build partnerships between police forces and hotel associations to facilitate rapid incident response and information sharing.
- Develop specialized training for tourist police units using case studies from IVLP site visits.
This IVLP project exemplified the power of international cooperation in public security — demonstrating how smart planning and strategic partnerships can enhance visitor experiences while strengthening community resilience.
Project summary
| Policing in Tourist Destinations | |
|---|---|
| Number of Visitors: | 6 |
| Regions: | East Asia and Pacific |
| Countries: | Indonesia |
| Impact Areas: | Security and Defense |
| Program Areas: | Global Leadership |