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1st Quarter 2009 Newsletter: March 2009
Anti-Poaching
Specialized Training Course
The highlight of this year’s first quarter for the anti-poaching branch of the Friedkin Conservation Fund was undoubtedly the specialized training that all 85 anti-poaching team members received over a three day period (24 hours). The intense course covered unarmed self defense, tactical control and restraint skills, arrest and search procedures as well as reasonable force options specifically designed for the challenging requirements of wildlife law enforcement. The course instructor, Mr. Ken Oesterreich of Leipzig, Germany, traveled to Tanzania for the first time and spent a month conducting this specially designed course for our rangers.
In general, all methods taught regarding use of force and arrest techniques were based on internationally recognized safety standards in order to avoid unnecessary risks for all parties involved in the arrest process. Thus, course participants were constantly reminded that planning, practice and preparation prevent a poor performance in the field. As a result, all the anti-poaching teams that were trained throughout this period learned how to minimize potential risks of unnecessary bodily harm both to themselves as well as to the poachers.
Upon completion of the course, Ken said, “It has been a great personal and professional experience for me and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all members of the Friedkin Conservation Fund and those involved in anti-poaching and community development”. Those of us at FCF feel that it is Ken we need to thank; the additional qualifications and skills as well as the lift in team morale easily justified this course and we would like to welcome him back to Tanzania.
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