Remarks by Carl J. Truscott
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
International Law Enforcement Academy Graduation Ceremony
Budapest, Hungary
May 13, 2005


Note: This is the text as prepared for delivery. The Director sometimes deviates from prepared remarks.

Good morning. Thank you, Col. Boda, for your kind introduction.

I am honored to be here with such distinguished guests, including my colleague Director Mueller, as we come together to recognize the tenth anniversary of the International Law Enforcement Academy, in this magnificent city of Budapest.

I am pleased to represent the men and women of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on this occasion. At ATF, we greatly value our strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, and it is a privilege to recognize ILEA for its example of international partnerships that advance law enforcement worldwide.

And I'm happy to join you today in celebrating your graduation from the 50th session of the International Law Enforcement Academy. Your countries, Hungary, Romania and Croatia, will be very proud of your accomplishments.

Law enforcement begins with a basic idea: the concept of right and wrong. And one of the fundamentals of law enforcement practice is that there are right and wrong ways to accomplish an action. For reasons of law, or safety, or efficiency, some methods simply work better than others. As a result, we in law enforcement try to absorb the wisdom of others, and learn from their experiences as well as our own.

Training is critical to successful law enforcement. During my career, I've benefited from a variety of training programs-everything from basic training, to skills development, to executive leadership seminars. Your presence here is evidence that you, and your agencies, know the value of these opportunities.

Ten years ago, the U.S. Government and the Government of Hungary established ILEA Budapest to broaden law enforcement learning, and to encourage countries to share experiences across their borders. Many countries have contributed their expertise as instructors; many more have come to absorb this knowledge and then take it back to their home countries. And Americans have been proud to participate in ILEA, both as instructors, and as learners.

I'm delighted that ATF has been able to contribute to this historic 50th session, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of ILEA Budapest. ATF Special Agent Byron San Marco served as class coordinator. He comes to Budapest following five months in Iraq, as an explosives instructor and mentor to the newly formed Iraqi Police Service. Special Agent San Marco, I applaud your fine service to ATF's international mission. And I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experience with the members of this class.

I know that through the guidance of your instructors and mentors, you've gained valuable information in your classes here. But I hope that you've also made the most of informal learning opportunities. Along with your classwork, you probably learned to communicate at least a few things in another language. You've made contacts and friends here, and they will last long after you return home. By learning to appreciate cultures different from your own, you've gained new understanding of others. This understanding will help you in your daily work as law enforcement officers, and will enrich your lives as well.

By making the most of your time here, you've received a valuable gift. And now it's time for you to share this gift with others. By taking your new ideas home and putting them into practice, you can serve your colleagues, your agencies, and your countries.

My congratulations to you on your graduation, and to ILEA on ten years of enhancing law enforcement.

Thank you.

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