Corporal of Police Garet Dopwell of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has successfully completed the highly respected International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), hosted by the U.S. Department of State. This year’s program focused on “Trafficking in Persons: Prevention and Mitigation,” and ran from April 12 to May 3, 2025.
Cpl. Dopwell was one of just 22 professionals selected from around the world to participate in the multi-regional initiative coordinated by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Participants hailed from countries including Argentina, Bulgaria, Fiji, Germany, Jamaica, Maldives, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, and represented sectors such as law enforcement, prosecution, and non-profit advocacy against human trafficking.
The program commenced in Washington, D.C., where participants engaged with prominent U.S. agencies and organizations, including the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP), the Departments of Transportation and Labor, Polaris, Marriott International, and the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking.
The second phase took place in Detroit, Michigan, with sessions hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and several local anti-trafficking initiatives.
Following this, participants were split into smaller teams and deployed to different U.S. cities. Cpl. Dopwell was assigned to San Antonio, Texas, where he took part in a ride-along with the San Antonio Police Department and engaged with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, Child Advocates of San Antonio, and Family Violence Protection Services. He also participated in a cultural exchange by dining with a local host family.
The cohort later regrouped in Reno, Nevada, for a reflection session and further engagements with organizations including the Awaken Center, the State of Nevada Human Trafficking Coalition, the Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, and the HEAT Unit of the Reno Police Department.
The program concluded in San Francisco, California, with key meetings involving the Law Enforcement Investigating Human Trafficking (LEIHT) Task Force, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office, the CSI Unit, and the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking.
Reflecting on the experience, Cpl. Dopwell stated:
“This program was extremely informative and impactful. Opportunities like these not only strengthen international cooperation but also provide valuable insights and innovative ideas that can be implemented right here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Cpl. Dopwell’s participation in the IVLP underscores St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ enduring commitment to global collaboration in the fight against human trafficking.
The Commissioner of Police and fellow officers of the RSVGPF have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Corporal Garet Dopwell on his successful completion of the program.